Nasal Screening for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among Health Care Workers at a tertiary care Hospital

G. Velvizhi; Sucilathangam G; Srinivasananth K; Revathy C

Volume : VIII, Issue : X, October - 2018

Nasal Screening for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among Health Care Workers at a tertiary care Hospital

G. Velvizhi, Sucilathangam G, Srinivasananth K, Revathy C

Abstract :

BackgroundandObjectives: Methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of Hospital–acquiredinfections in many countries. Mainly Health Care workers (HCWs) are at risk for Methicillin–ResistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage. Materials andMethods: A Cross–sectional study was conducted among50 Health Care Workers (HCWs) screened for carriageof MRSA. Swabs of Anterior nares were taken, transported and inoculated on blood agar and incubated at 37°Cfor 24 hours. After incubation, growth was identified as Staphylococcus aureus on the basis of colony morphology, Gram stain, and catalase and coagulase test. (Slide and Tube)MRSA was identified using Cefoxitin disc diffusion methods. Results:Overall carriage rate was 4%with 2% in theatre staffs and nursing staffs. All the MRSA isolates were resistant to Penicillin sensitive to all the tested antibiotics. Health Care workers were the potential colonizers of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions:These carriers may serve as reservoir and disseminator of MRSA, and should be treated with Mupirocin 3 times daily for 5 days prolonged hospital stay and improper hand washing were found to be the major risk factors for MRSA colonization, although it would require screening of larger numbers before arriving at any definite conclusions. There is need for MRSA control policies in hospitals.