scholarly journals Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among large commercial pig herds in South Africa

Author(s):  
Shani Van Lochem ◽  
Peter N. Thompson ◽  
Cornelius H. Annandale

The prevalence of nasal carrier status of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pigs has been described elsewhere, but is unknown in South Africa. To address concerns that exist regarding the zoonotic risk that carriers pose to workers, the herd-level prevalence of MRSA was determined among 25 large (> 500 sows) commercial pig herds in South Africa, representing 45% of the large commercial herds in the country. From each herd, the nasal contents of 18 finisher pigs were sampled at the abattoir, pooled into three and selectively cultured to determine the presence of MRSA. A herd was classified as MRSA-positive if one or more of the three pooled samples cultured positive. Three of the 25 herds tested positive for MRSA, equating to a 12% herd prevalence (95% CI: 7% – 23%) among South African commercial piggeries. The prevalence of nasal MRSA carriers among large commercial pig herds in South Africa was low compared to what has been reported elsewhere and suggests a relatively low zoonotic MRSA risk to workers in South African commercial piggeries and abattoirs.

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Drehmer de Almeida Cruz ◽  
Fabiana Cristina Pimenta ◽  
Miyeko Hayashida ◽  
Marina Eidt ◽  
Elucir Gir

This study assessed the prevalence of colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in hospital housekeepers, and their knowledge and beliefs regarding this problem. Three saliva samples were collected and a questionnaire regarding knowledge and beliefs was applied. Of the 92 workers, 63 (68.5%) participated in the study; 20 were not and 43 were colonized; 13 by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 30 by methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Persistent carrier status of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 15.4% of cases. Low knowledge and perception of occupational risk were observed. The mouth was identified as an important reservoir of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Analyzing knowledge and beliefs, as well as the state of carrier, is an important strategy to be added to educational actions for the prevention of workers' colonization.


Author(s):  
Latha T ◽  
Anil K Bhat ◽  
Manjunatha Hande H ◽  
Chiranjay Mukhopadyay ◽  
Elsa Sanatombi Devi ◽  
...  

 Objective: The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrier status in anterior nares and hands of health-care professionals working in orthopedic wards of a tertiary care hospital and to decolonize them to reduce spread of MRSA to their patients.Methods: The study was conducted in a super specialty, tertiary care teaching hospital. The samples were collected from anterior nares, palm, web spaces, and fingertips of 140 health-care professionals (48 doctors, 74 nurses, and 18 technicians) working in orthopedic wards using sterile pre-moistened swabs. MRSA carrier status was identified by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.Result: Most (76.4%) of the health-care professionals were <30 years of age and 51% were male. MRSA in anterior nares of doctors was 4.3%, nurses 1.4%, and technicians 0.7% and none had MRSA in their hands. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) growth was more among nurses (nurses - 5.7%, doctors - 2.1%, and technicians - 1.4%) in anterior nares. In addition, 1.4% nurses’ hands were colonized with MSSA. Both MRSA and MSSA carriers were decolonized effectively and repeat sampling showed no growth.Conclusion: Health-care professionals have a greater chance of transmitting MRSA to patients and orthopedic patients are more susceptible for infection. Although MRSA carrier status was not very high among orthopedic health-care professionals compared to previous studies, it cannot be ignored. Nasal mupirocin and bath with chlorhexidine soap were effective in decolonization. Periodic screening and treatment of colonizers would help in elimination of MRSA carriage.


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