Abstract Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant global threat that has become increasingly problematic in primary care settings due to the rise in resistance to non-beta-lactam antibiotics. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly vulnerable to acquiring and spreading MRSA in healthcare facilities, which can result in nosocomial infections. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of MRSA colonization among HCWs at the College of Applied Medical Sciences clinics. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at KSU in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 2023 to July 2023. A total of 52 nasal swabs were collected from HCWs and subsequently cultured for bacterial growth. Standard bacteriological methods were used to identify and characterize S. aureus and MRSA. The MRSA results were confirmed using the cefoxitin test, the Kirby–Bauer method, and the VITEK 2 system. Data on the potential risk factors of MRSA colonization were collected and analyzed. Results: S. aureus was detected in 15 (28.84%) of the 52 samples tested. Furthermore, 5 (9.6%) of the HCWs in the study were found to be carriers of MRSA. A significant difference was observed in the number of MRSA carriers among different departments, with clinical laboratories and optometry clinics being particularly affected ( P = 0). None of the risk factors assessed showed a significant association with the carriage rate of MRSA ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that HCWs in clinical laboratories and optometry clinics have a higher prevalence of MRSA carriers. Regular screening of carriers is necessary to prevent MRSA infections.
Alhumaidan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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