Prevalence and risk factors for MRSA nasal colonization among persons experiencing homelessness in Boston, MA
Leibler, Jessica H. and León, Casey and Cardoso, Lena J. P. and Morris, Jennifer C. and Miller, Nancy S. and Nguyen, Daniel D. and Gaeta, Jessie M.,, 66, 1183-1188 (2017),
doi = https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.000552,
publicationName = Microbiology Society,
issn = 0022-2615,
abstract= Homeless individuals face an elevated risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Identifying the prevalence and risk factors for MRSA nasal colonization may reduce infection risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a health clinic for homeless persons in Boston, MA, USA (n=194). In-person interviews and nasal swab specimens were collected. MRSA isolates were genotyped using pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and assessed for antibiotic susceptibility. The prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization was 8.3 %. Seventy-five percent of isolates reflected clonal similarity to USA300. USA100 (18.8 %) and USA500 (6.3 %) were also recovered. Resistance to erythromycin (81.3 %), levofloxacin (31.3 %) and clindamycin (23.1 %) was identified. Recent inpatient status, endocarditis, haemodialysis, heavy drinking, not showering daily and transience were positively associated with MRSA nasal colonization. Carriage of community-acquired MRSA strains predominated in this population, although nosocomial strains co-circulate. Attention to behavioural and hygiene-related risk factors, not typically included in MRSA prevention efforts, may reduce risk.,
language=,
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