Screening for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in health care workers, working in critical care areas at a tertiary care hospital, Karnataka, India

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Original Article

Author Details : Rupali S Shinde, Kalpita K Gumaste, Basappa G. Mantur

Volume : 3, Issue : 1, Year : 2016

Article Page : 44-46

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Abstract

Introduction: Rise of MRSA infection in hospitals is a matter of concern. MRSA infection in hospitals is acquired either by MRSA colonizers i.e. health care worker or fomites which are heavily contaminated with MRSA. It is necessary to detect MRSA carriers among health care workers in order to cut down the increasing rate of MRSA infection in hospitalized patients, especially in intensive care units.
Aims & objectives: To find the MRSA carriage rate among health care workers in intensive care units. To find out the antibiotic susceptibility pattern in these MRSA isolates.
Materials & methods: Hand & nasal swabs were collected from the health care workers of critical care units. The isolation of MRSA & their antimicrobial susceptibility were carried out by standard bacteriological procedures.
Result: MRSA carriage rate was 6.35% by nasal swab method whereas it was 4.76% by hand swab method. MRSA isolates were resistant to most of the antibiotics.
Conclusion: Strict adherence to infection control practices is the single most important factor in preventing MRSA infection. Simple preventive measures like hand washing before & after patient examination, the use of sterile aprons & masks can reduce the disease transmission rate considerably.

Key words: MRSA, health care workers, nasal carriage

How to cite : Shinde R S, Gumaste K K, Mantur B G, Screening for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in health care workers, working in critical care areas at a tertiary care hospital, Karnataka, India. Indian J Microbiol Res 2016;3(1):44-46

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