Staphylococcus aureus detection in the mouth of housekeepers

Elaine Drehmer De Almeida Cruz,Fabiana Cristina Pimenta,Elucir Gir,Marina Eidt,Miyeko Hayashida

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692011000100013

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence of colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in hospital housekeepers, and their knowledge and beliefs regarding this problem. Three saliva samples were collected and a questionnaire regarding knowledge and beliefs was applied. Of the 92 workers, 63 (68.5%) participated in the study; 20 were not and 43 were colonized; 13 by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 30 by methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Persistent carrier status of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 15.4% of cases. Low knowledge and perception of occupational risk were observed. The mouth was identified as an important reservoir of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Analyzing knowledge and beliefs, as well as the state of carrier, is an important strategy to be added to educational actions for the prevention of workers' colonization.

Highlights

One important factor in the epidemiology of infection and colonization cases by methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the health care environment is workers’ physical proximity with colonized or infected patients and their environment
The research is relevant in view of the occupational risk, the fact that the status of MRSA carrier is a predictive factor of infection and potential dissemination and because mostly lay workers are involved with regard to microbiology principles, transmission mechanisms and infection prevention measures associated with health care services
Its relevance is related with the fact that, while talking, countless MRSA-contaminated saliva droplets can be disseminated into the environment and from person-toperson, evidencing the risk of workers becoming colonized with MRSA in the mouth and, disseminating it to patients, the health care environment and the community

Summary

Introduction

One important factor in the epidemiology of infection and colonization cases by methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the health care environment is workers’ physical proximity with colonized or infected patients and their environment. This approximation contributes to professionals’ colonization, who become potential reservoirs and disseminators of these bacteria, contributing to their dispersion in the environment and person-to-person[1,2], besides the fact that MRSA colonization predicts infection[3].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion