Microbiological Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns According to Nasal Septal Deviation Types

Nasal septal deviation (NSD) may facilitate bacterial colonization by impairing airflow. The relationship between specific anatomical types (Mladina classification) and Staphylococcus aureus colonization, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus aureus, within the altered microenvironments created by different Mladina-classified nasal septal deviations (NSD). We further sought to determine if specific clinical comorbidities and environmental exposures serve as independent catalysts for staphylococcal niche colonization.A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted (November 2023–June 2024) in Northern Cyprus. 105 patients with NSD underwent endoscopic examination and were classified using Mladina’s system. Nasal swabs were cultured, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined via EUCAST guidelines.MRSA colonization was detected in 21.0% of patients. Although colonization rates varied across Mladina types (7.7%–29.4%), no statistically significant association was found (p>0.05). Chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and smoking showed numerically higher MRSA rates but lacked statistical significance.Mladina’s NSD classification does not independently predict MRSA colonization risk. Preoperative screening protocols should incorporate comprehensive risk assessments beyond anatomical classification alone.