Study of Risk Factors for Nasal Colonization of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and their Drug Sensitivity Pattern in Admitted Patients

Abstract

Background: In view of changing epidemiology of MRSA infections and scarcity of literature on risk factors for MRSA infections, a study addressing this knowledge gap was needed. Aim: This study was planned to study the prevalence and associated risk factors for MRSA colonisation in hospitalised patients. Methods: Study population consisted of 205 patients aged ≥16 years admitted in general medicine ward during the study period. Culture was performed from anterior nares within 48 hours after admission to identify patients colonized with MRSA or MSSA. Results: Out of 205 subjects, 24 (11.71%) individuals were infected with MRSA, whereas 16 (7.80%) had MSSA infection. Sterile nasal swab was reported in 63.41%. Use of steroids [OR 5.60 (95%CI 2.83, 22.68)], Chronic kidney disease [OR 4.61 (95%CI 2.85, 22.04)] and alcoholism [OR 2.45 (95%CI 0.52, 3.64)] came out to be three most important risk factors associated with MRSA and MSSA infections among study subjects. Vancomycin & linezolid were found to be sensitive in all twenty four patients of MRSA. Clindamycin & Cotrimoxazole were found to be sensitive in half of the MRSA patients. Conclusion: A greater degree of suspicion for MRSA, early detection of MRSA especially among those having risk factors, along with timely intervention with appropriate antibiotics and source control are needed to save these patients.