Personal Hygiene and Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusInfection

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections outside the healthcare setting are an increasing concern. We conducted a case-control study to investigate an MRSA outbreak during 2002-2003 in a Missouri prison and focused on hygiene factors. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and hygiene practices of study participants was collected by interview and medical record review. Logistic regression was used to evaluate MRSA infection in relation to hygiene factors individually and as a composite hygiene score; potential confounding factors were controlled. Selected MRSA isolates were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). MRSA infection was significantly associated with a low composite hygiene score. Transmission among prison inmates appeared to be responsible for this outbreak. PFGE analysis showed that isolates were indistinguishable and associated with community-onset MRSA infections in other US prisons. Improving hygiene practices and environmental conditions may help prevent and interrupt future MRSA outbreaks in prison settings.

The Environment as an Unrecognized Reservoir for Community-Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300: A Case-Control Study

“…However, we were unable to identify potential confounders of hygiene with our study design, as environmental S. aureus colonization was not related to sharing of items [10], [38], using bleach (not shown), household size or crowding.…”

“…Alternatively, differences in environmental contamination between cases and controls could also be explained by differences in colonization of non-nasal body sites ( i.e. pharyngeal, inguinal, perianal or vaginal [35], [36], [37]) of infected patients and their household members [10], [38], which was not evaluated with the current study design. There is growing evidence that CA-MRSA in particular may have a higher propensity to colonize groin and genital areas and serve as a source for infections, in particular with USA300 [37].…”

Recurrent furunculosis – challenges and management: a review

“…Preventive educational information on personal hygiene and appropriate wound care are recommended for patients with skin or soft tissue infections (SSTI) such as recurrent furunculosis 37,38. Wounds should be covered with clean, dry bandages and good personal hygiene with regular bathing and washing of hands with soap and water, or cleansing with an alcohol-based hand gel is recommended, particularly after touching infected skin or an item that has directly contacted a draining wound.…”

The Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus among Out-of-Hospital Care Providers and Emergency Medical Technician Students

“…Finally, other risk factors that may result in susceptibility to MRSA infection include hospitalization in the preceding year 20 ; skin cuts, scrapes, or burns, which increase the probability of MRSA transmission 21,22 ; and sharing personal items such as towels or bar soap, which typically occurs among individuals on a sports team. 22,23 Although the nasal colonization rate in this study was higher than the rate in the general population, the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend screening for MRSA nasal colonization among health care personnel unless there is epidemiologic evidence implicating a specific staff member as a source of ongoing transmission. 24 …”