Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus as Coloniser in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a common human pathogen that can cause mild superficial infections to deep-seated abscesses and sepsis. One of the characteristics of S. aureus is the ability to colonise healthy individuals while leaving them asymptomatic. These carriers’ risk harbouring an antibiotic-resistant strain that may be harmful to the individual and the community. S. aureus carriage in healthcare personnel is being studied extensively in many parts of the world. However, the relationship between colonisation and disease among those with no previous exposure to healthcare remains untouched. Colonisation of the nasal cavity and its surrounding by pathogenic organisms such as S. aureus leads to the increased risk of infection. Hospital-acquired infections associated with S. aureus infections are common and studies related to these types of infections among various study groups are largely documented. However, over the last decade, an increase in community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus has been noted, increasing the need to identify the prevalence of the organism among healthy individuals and assessing the antibiotic resistance patterns. Systemic surveillance of the community for colonisation of S. aureus and identifying the antibiotic-resistant pattern is critical to determine the appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Major Virulence Gene Detection in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Humans and Livestock Animals of Assam: A North Eastern State of India

“…39 Healthy individuals are a major asymptomatic reservoir of MRSA that may lead to its spread within the community. [40][41] Interestingly, susceptibility of 2nd generation Cephalosporin (Cefaclor) and low resistance of Methicillin indicated restricted or obsolete use of these two drugs in this region.…”