Prevalence Of Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization In Patients For Total Joint Arthroplasty In South Africa
Abstract Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty (TJA). Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) colonization is an independent, modifiable risk factor for periprosthetic joint infections. Post-operative infections are reported to be ten times greater in S aureus carriers than in non-carriers in developed countries though recorded data is lacking for the developing world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of S aureus colonization in patients awaiting TJA in South Africa. Methods: We prospectively assessed 119 patients awaiting Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty between May and October 2016. We screened three separate anatomical sites on each patient for S aureus. Patients with positive cultures were treated with intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine body wash. Univariate and comparative statistical analyses to determine risk factors for colonization was conducted using t-tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and chi square analyses. Results: The overall prevalence of Methicillin Sensitive S aureus colonization was 31.9% (n = 38). There were no patients colonized with Methicillin Resistant S aureus. Nasal swabs returned a yield of 81.6% (n=31), with groin swabs and axillary swabs at 39.5% (n=15) and 28.9% (n=11) respectively. Eradication was successful in 94.74% (n=36) after five days treatment. All patients (100%) were decolonized after counseling and repeat eradication treatment. The overall complication rate was 7.6% (n=9). The 30-day readmission rate in the S aureus -colonized group was 7.9% (n=3) as opposed to 7.4% (n=6) in the non-colonized cohort. There were no 60- and 90-day readmissions and no cases were revised at a mean follow-up of 2.26 years. Conclusions: The rate of S aureus colonization in patients undergoing elective TJA in a developing country was 31.9% and is equivalent to reported rates in developed countries. Eradication treatment with combined intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine body wash is a successful treatment modality. A larger cohort of patients is recommended to determine risk factors and post-operative septic sequelae in this population group.