Staphylococcus Aureus Carriage among Healthcare Workers in Burn and Surgical Critical Care Units in Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate Staphylococcal aureus (S. aureus) carriage among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Burn and Surgical Critical Care Units in Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt, following an outbreak of S. aureus wound infection in patients. Methods: The study involved 60 HCWs. They were 9 Doctors (15.0%) and 51 nurses and workers (85.0%). Each participant completed a questionnaire that covered demographic data, smoking habits, risk factors of S. aureus colonization and general infection control procedures. To detect S. aureus colonization, both nasal and hand swabs were collected from HCWs. Testing for sensitivity to methicillin was performed by cefoxitin disc diffusion method (30μg). Results: S. aureus was isolated from 53.3% of HCWs and 68.8% of them were colonized with MRSA strains. The overall MRSA carriage rate was 36.7%. MRSA was confined only in Surgical intensive care units (ICUs). MRSA isolates were sensitive to amikacin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin and ceftriaxone. There was no correlation between infection control training, antibiotic intake in the preceding month, duration of work, diabetes mellitus and smoking of HCWs and carriage rate of MRSA (P >0.5). Conclusion: HCWs who had contact with patients were at risk of acquisition and colonization with S. aureus and antimicrobial resistant bacteria especially MRSA . Training of HCWs on hygienic measures especially proper hand hygiene is the key to overcome S. aureus infection in Surgical ICUs and Burn Units. Key wards: S. aureus , MRSA , HCWs, Surgical ICU, Burn, Egypt