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Is nasal MRSA carriage a concern among African people and local communities in North Cyprus?

Ayse Arikan1, Noor Nassar2, John O Awosanya2

  • 1Near East University, DESAM Research Institute, Nicosia, TRNC Mersin 10, Turkey.

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|July 10, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern. This study found methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage in 3% of African students and 6% of local students in Northern Cyprus.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant global health challenge.
  • Globalization complicates AMR surveillance due to limited data on multinational community patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage.
  • To investigate MRSA carriage rates among African and local students in Northern Cyprus.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal swabs collected from 300 students (150 African, 150 local) between October and December 2023.
  • Samples screened for MRSA using phenotypic and genotypic analyses.

Main Results:

  • MRSA nasal carriage prevalence was 3% in African students.
  • MRSA nasal carriage prevalence was 6% in local students.

Conclusions:

  • This population-based study is the first to assess MRSA in Northern Cyprus.
  • Findings indicate MRSA presence and highlight the impact of global migration on AMR.
  • Urgent need for public health interventions to address AMR spread.
Keywords:
AfricanMRSANorthern Cyprusstudents

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