Prevalence of Nasal Colonization by Methicillin-Resistant in Persons Using a Homeless Shelter in Kansas City.

Nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) plays an important role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of disease. Situations of close-quarter contact in groups are generally regarded as a risk factor for community-acquired MRSA strains due to transmission fomites and person-to-person contact. With these criteria for risk, homeless individuals using shelter facilities, including showers and toilets, should be considered high risk for colonization and infection.