MRSA Transmission in Intensive Care Units: Genomic Analysis of Patients, Their Environments, and Healthcare Workers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-and now USA300 MRSA-is a significant intensive care unit (ICU) pathogen; healthcare worker (HCW) contamination may lead to patient cross-transmission.

Methods

From September 2015 to February 2016, to study the spread of MRSA, we enrolled HCWs in 4 adult ICUs caring for patients on MRSA contact precautions. Samples were collected from patient body sites and high-touch surfaces in patient rooms. HCW hands, gloves, and personal protective equipment were sampled pre/post-patient encounter. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to compare isolates from patients, HCWs, and environment.

Results

There were 413 MRSA isolates sequenced (38% USA300, 52% USA100) from 66 patient encounters. Six of 66 HCWs were contamin

SUBMITTER: Popovich KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8315036 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature