Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Canadian Inner-City Shelter. Issue 4 (2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Szakacs, Tom A; Toye, Baldwin; Turnbull, Jeffrey M; Muckle, Wendy; Roth, Virginia R
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology =. Volume 18:Issue 4(2007)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2007
• Subjects: Community -- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus -- Prevalence -- Shelter; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Infection; Communicable Diseases; Communicable Disease Control; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1155/2007/264257
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1712-9532

Abstract

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.