Ward-specific rates of nasal cocolonization with methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus spp. and potential impact on molecular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening tests

J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Jul;51(7):2418-20. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00491-13. Epub 2013 May 8.

Abstract

We report that the rates of nasal cocolonization with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci can vary widely between patients admitted to different wards within a single hospital. Such cocolonization can greatly influence the performance of molecular methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) screening tests depending on the methods used and targets selected.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Carrier State / diagnosis
  • Carrier State / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / diagnosis*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*