Frequency of nasal carriage for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus among the hospital staff – Bandar Abbas, Iran

Introduction: Methicillin – resistant S.aureus (MRSA) hss been recognized as an important pathogen in human diseases. Screening of health care workers allowed early detection of nasal carriage of MRSA and prevention of subsequent transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of nasal carriage of MRSA in Shariati hospital staff. Methods: This cross – sectional study was carried out on 85 personals of Shariati hospital in Bandar Abbas. Nasal swabs were cultured on Monitol – Salt Agar plates and incubate at 37ºC for 24-48 hours. S.aureus were determined by Gram staining, Coagulase and DNase tests. MRSA strains were identified by plate agar dilution method. An oxacillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC ≥ 4 μ/ml) was considered as methicillin resistant. Analysis of the results was performed by SPSS 16 software. Results: S.aureus strains were detected in 24 (%28.2) samples from which 4 cases (%16.6) were MRSA. No association among age, sex, occupation and duration of working and nasal carriage of S.aureus or MRSA was recognized. A significant association between carrier state and wards of the hospital was observed. Conclusion: Due to role of MRSA in nosocomial infections, detection and treatment of nasal carriers is of great importance.