The oral cavity revealed as a significant reservoir of Staphylococcus aureus in an acute hospital by extensive patient, healthcare worker and environmental sampling

The Journal of Hospital Infection
A KearneyD C Coleman

Abstract

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bloodstream infection rates have risen steadily in recent years, with a marked decline in the corresponding rates due to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Screening for MSSA carriage is not routinely undertaken and MRSA screening is not universal, so the extent of S. aureus colonisation pressure in nosocomial settings is unknown. We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) across nine inpatient wards in a tertiary referral hospital over a two-year period. Participants were screened for MSSA and MRSA using nasal swabs and oral rinses. Environmental surfaces and air were also tested for S. aureus using contact plates and active air sampling. We enrolled 388 patients and 326 HCWs; and took 758 contact plate samples from surfaces and 428 air samples. MSSA was recovered from 24% of patients, 31.3% of HCWs, 16% of air samples and 7.9% of surface samples. MRSA was recovered from 6.4% of patients, 3.7% of HCWs, 2.5% of air samples and 2.2% of surface samples. Inclusion of the oral cavity in addition to the anterior nares in the sampling regimen identified 30 patients and 36 HCWs who exhibited exclusive oral colonisation. The oral ca...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.