Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Nasal Carrier State among Pediatric Patients and Para‐Medical Staff in Tertiary Care Hospital
G.V.S. Mahesh, N. Harshini, B. Nageshwar Rao, B. Anuradha and Mohammed Ashraf Mohiddin Siddiq
Page: 106-110 | Received 23 Sep 2023, Published online: 08 Oct 2023
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Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, especially Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a significant pathogen in hospital‐acquired infections. The nasal carrier state of MRSA is concerning, particularly in pediatric patients and para‐medical staff in tertiary care hospitals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization among pediatric patients and para‐medical staff in a tertiary care hospital and to understand its implications on hospital infections. A two‐month study, from September to October 2023, was conducted in the department of Microbiology. 100 nasal swab samples were collected, 76 from pediatric patients and 24 from para‐medical staff. Samples were inoculated onto HiCrome Rapid MRSA Agar plates and incubated for MRSA detection. The study also involved collecting urine samples from patients with a catheter for >45 hrs for culture and sensitivity testing. Of the 100 samples, 21 (21%) showed MRSA nasal colonization. Among these, 18 (85.7%) were pediatric patients and 3 (14.28%) were para‐medical staff. Children aged 0‐5 years represented 83.3% of the pediatric MRSA carriers. MRSA nasal colonization distribution was balanced among NICU, PICU and pediatric wards. Among para‐medical staff, females showed a higher prevalence of MRSA (3 out of 20) compared to males (0 out of 4). The MSSA and MRSA distribution indicated 76.3% MSSA and 23.68% MRSA among pediatric patients and 87.5% MSSA and 12.5% MRSA among para‐medical staff. The study evaluates the importance of regular MRSA screening among hospitalized patients and healthcare workers to reduce MRSA infections. A proactive approach, including screening, treatment and awareness campaigns, is crucial to curbing MRSA spread in hospital settings.
How to cite this article:
G.V.S. Mahesh, N. Harshini, B. Nageshwar Rao, B. Anuradha and Mohammed Ashraf Mohiddin Siddiq. Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Nasal Carrier State among Pediatric Patients and Para‐Medical Staff in Tertiary Care Hospital.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2023.10.106.110
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2023.10.106.110