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- Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SV, SM(ASCP)CMMBCM⇑
- Cheryl Rowder, PhD, RN, CCRC
- Tom Patterson, MS, BS, MT (ASCP)
- Gerald Redwine, MS, MLS (ASCP)
- Bob Vásquez, PhD
- Emillio Carranco, MD
- Address for Correspondence: Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SV, SM(ASCP)CMMBCM, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Research, College of Health Professions, Texas State University-San Marcos, Clinical Laboratory Science, HPB 361, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666-4616, 512-245-2562, rrohde{at}txstate.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and characterize MRSA and staphylococci carriage and conversion rates in nursing students across clinical semester rotations and to describe risk factors.
DESIGN: A prospective, longitudinal cohort design (interim report) with three times of measurement. Data collected between August 2010 and May 2011 (ongoing longitudinal study to May 2012). Institutional Review Board approval (2010F5693).
SETTING: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.
PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-seven nursing students.
INTERVENTIONS: A positive MRSA swab represented an end-point for a participant. Intervention offered was bactroban (mupirocin) for nasal decolonization and an oral antibiotic, doxycycline; post-treatment collection to verify decolonization prior to next clinical rotation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Screening for Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA identification; confirmation and antibiotic susceptibility by Vitek 2. Self-administered questionnaires collected demographics and risk factors. Generalized estimating equations calculated population-averaged panel logistic regression models allowing for an AR(1) error by Stata version 12.
RESULTS: MRSA colonization did not increase. S. aureus prevalence (20-26%). Species prevalence other than S. aureus increased (9.2% to 80%). The following associations were found to be statistically significant: boil or skin infection odds with S. aureus (OR= 2.43, p< .05), working or volunteering in healthcare facility odds with S. other (OR= 2.72, p < .05) and gym and sports activities odds with S. other (OR= 4.98, p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS: MRSA colonization did not increase. Knowledge and understanding of MRSA (risks) may play a role in compliance and barrier precautions. S. aureus colonization remained stable (25-30%). Species colonization other than S. aureus (e.g. S. epidermis, S. haemolyticus) increased to significant levels.
ABBREVIATIONS: MRSA= Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; CA-MRSA=Community-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; HA-MRSA=Healthcare-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; CLS = Clinical Laboratory Science; OR = Odds Ration; CI = Confidence Interval; HCWs = Healthcare Workers; Healthcare associated infections = HAIs.
- INDEX TERMS
- Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- MRSA
- Community acquired infections
- Nursing research
- Nosocomial infections
- HAIs
- © Copyright 2012 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Inc. All rights reserved.
