Nasal carriage of a single clone of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among kindergarten attendees in northern Taiwan
2007

Nasal Carriage of MRSA in Kindergarten Children

Sample size: 68 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lo Wen-Tsung, Lin Wei-Jen, Tseng Min-Hua, Lu Jang-Jih, Lee Shih-Yi, Chu Mong-Ling, Wang Chih-Chien

Primary Institution: National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) nasal carriage among kindergarten attendees?

Conclusion

A single predominant CA-MRSA strain with high resistance to clindamycin circulated among kindergarten attendees, indicating a potential for community spread.

Supporting Evidence

  • 25% of children had S. aureus isolated from nasal swabs.
  • 13.2% of children had CA-MRSA carriage with no identified risk factors.
  • All CA-MRSA isolates showed 100% resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin.

Takeaway

The study found that some kids in a kindergarten had a type of bacteria called MRSA in their noses, which can make people sick, even if they don't look sick.

Methodology

Nasal swabs were collected from children under 7 years attending a kindergarten, and a questionnaire on MRSA risk factors was administered.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported risk factors from parents.

Limitations

The study was limited to a single kindergarten and may not represent broader community trends.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 2 to 7 years, with an equal number of boys and girls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-7-51

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