The prevalence of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the clinical analysis and public health technicians at a hospital in the district of Lisbon: a case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25758/set.2230Keywords:
Clinical analysis and public health technicians, Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant, Nasal colonization, Prevalence, Hospital setting, LisbonAbstract
Introduction – Staphylococcus aureus is commensal bacteria but potentially pathogenic. In addition to about a third of the population being colonized in a hospital setting, these microorganisms are one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Its acquired resistance to a variety of antibiotics, including methicillin, makes it difficult to treat infections. The major routes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus transmission are bioaerosols and hand contact. Considering that the clinical analysis and public health technicians are in permanent contact with patients colonized with these bacteria, particularly during the collection of biological samples, the risk of colonization is high. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the clinical analysis and public health technicians, who collect biological samples, at a hospital in the district of Lisbon. Materials and Methods – Thirty volunteers participated. Nasal exudates were collected with a swab and later inoculated in CHROMID MRSA (Biomérieux) selective chromogenic medium. Positive colonies were confirmed with Staph-Plus. Results – The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in the technicians participating in the study was 43% (13/30). Discussion – The results obtained were superior to those described in the literature, although studies on the subject in Portugal are scarce. Conclusion – This study demonstrates that clinical analysis technicians are carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which can propitiate nosocomial infections. Thus, the need to adopt efficient preventive measures is emphasized, particularly in the hospital environment.
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