High-risk populations for nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

To determine the population at high risk of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on hospital patients admission, a nasal swab was taken from the following patients: (1) those aged 70 years or over (age >or= 70), (2) non ambulatory receiving regular home visits by nurses and physicians (visiting), (3) residents of nursing homes (nursing home), (4) patients from other hospitals (another Hp), and (5) those scheduled for surgery (presurgery). Between March and July 2000, a total of 412 patients were admitted and 136 were enrolled. MRSA was isolated from 12 (8.