Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in the emergency department health care workers

Introduction: AThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in the health care workers of emergency department of Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz, Iran

Methods: In a total of 63 physicians and nurses in the emergency department of Imam Reza hospital, after obtaining written consent and completing a checklist, a sample of nasal mucosa was collected for microbiological examination and isolation of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) strain. Determination of resistance patterns (by diffusion method) was performed according to the standard methods of methicillin.

Results: Out of 63 participants, 8 subjects (12.7%) had colonization of S. aureus; 4 of them were physicians (17.3% of the participated physicians) and 4 were nurses (10% of the participated nurses). Out of 8 isolated SA, 2 cases (25%) and overall 3.1% were methicillin-resistant. In our study, there was a significant relationship between co-employment in other hospitals and patient care at home with SA colonization, but there was not a significant relationship with specialty, work experience, sinusitis, history of antibiotic use, history of skin disease, hand washing habits and use of personal protective equipment.

Conclusion: Prevalence of MRSA was not high among health workers of emergency department.