Abstract
Background
Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) remains a major cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) colonized with MRSA may act as reservoirs for transmission, contributing to hospital- and community-acquired infections. Early detection of MRSA carriage is essential for effective infection-prevention and control.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 407 HCWs were screened for MRSA colonization using anterior nasal swab specimens.
Staphylococcus aureus
was identified using standard microbiological techniques. Methicillin resistance was determined phenotypically by the cefoxitin disc diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Genotypic confirmation was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the
mecA
and
mecC
genes. MRSA carriers received 2% intranasal mupirocin followed by repeat screening.
Results
Among 407 HCWs screened, 96
S. aureus
isolates were recovered, of which 80 (83.3%) were phenotypically confirmed as MRSA. The overall MRSA nasal carriage rate was 19.65%, with the highest prevalence among interns (40.62%). Male gender was significantly associated with MRSA carriage (
p
mecA
was detected in 55 (68.75%), including 30 (37.5%) co-harbouring
mecC
. No isolate carried
mecC
alone, while 25 (31.25%) lacked both genes. All carriers became culture-negative after decolonization.
Conclusion
A substantial proportion of HCWs were colonized with MRSA, highlighting their role in nosocomial transmission. Combined phenotypic and genotypic methods improved MRSA detection. Routine surveillance, strict infection-control measures, and targeted decolonization are essential to reduce MRSA transmission.