AI Article Synopsis
- A study conducted in Ottawa, Ontario, assessed the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among residents and staff in three shelters, revealing a 2.4% overall colonization rate.
- The resident subgroup showed a higher prevalence at 4.5%, while no MRSA was found among the staff participants.
- The findings indicate that MRSA colonization rates among shelter residents are elevated compared to general populations, emphasizing the need for effective control measures against nosocomial MRSA strains to prevent their spread into community settings.
Article Abstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is increasingly of concern in community settings. However, despite a recent outbreak in Calgary, Alberta, data on the prevalence of MRSA in Canadian communities are lacking. Globally, few studies have been performed in high-risk groups such as inner-city populations.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of MRSA among residents and staff at three Ottawa, Ontario, shelters was conducted. All participants completed a questionnaire, and provided nasal swabs as well as one of rectal, anal or groin swabs.
Results: Among 84 participants, the prevalence of MRSA colonization was 2.4%. Among the resident subgroup, the prevalence was 4.5%, while no MRSA isolates were found among 40 staff participants. All isolates were USA100 (CMRSA-2) subtypes.
Conclusions: The prevalence of MRSA colonization among residents is higher than baseline population rates, but is consistent with other inner-city populations. Although community outbreaks of USA300 and USA400 strains are increasingly reported, movement of nosocomial strains (ie, USA100 [CMRSA-2]) into communities remains an important avenue in the spread of MRSA and underscores the importance of nosocomial MRSA control.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2533630 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2007/264257 | DOI Listing |
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