The Impact of MRSA Colonization on Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Facility Residents: A Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Study
Fecha
2023Resumen
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization has been considered a
risk factor for the development of infection, however, there are no studies that have compared the
colonizing and infecting strains using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The aim of this study is to
determine the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA colonization among long-term care facilities
(LTCF) residents of Tenerife (Spain), and to analyze the epidemiological relationship between the
colonizing and infecting strains using WGS. A point-prevalence study was carried out at 14 LTCFs
in Tenerife from October 2020 to May 2021. Nasal swabs were cultured for MRSA. Colonized
residents were followed up for two years. A phylogenetic comparison between colonization and
infection strains was performed using WGS. A total of 764 residents were included. The prevalence
of colonization by MRSA was 28.1% (n = 215), of which 12 (5.6%) subsequently developed infection.
A close genetic relationship between colonization and infection isolates was found in three of the
four (75%) residents studied. Our study confirms that colonized residents can develop serious
MRSA infections from the same nasal colonization strain. Given the high prevalence of MRSA
colonization in these centers, it is necessary to implement strategies with preventive measures to
avoid the development of infection and the transmission of MRSA.