Prevalence and Factors Associated with Methicillin‑Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization among Clinical Medical Students

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence and determinants of methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization among clinical clerkship medical students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross‑sectional study was performed at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nasal samples were obtained from 360 clinical clerkship medical students (3rd–5th years). Questionnaires were filled. MRSA identification was done using the standard laboratory procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS Pc + 21.0 software.

Results: Of 360 samples, 100 (27.7%) were positive for S. aureus and 12 (3.3%) were MRSA positive. The following variables and the outcome (MRSA+/MRSA−) showed statistically significant association; previous hospital admissions, immunocompromised status, chronic disease, and female gender. We found that our MRSA colonization prevalence rate of 3.3% predominately in female gender. Third‑year medical students have the highest MRSA colonization of 4.8%, then 4th year 2.8%, and 5th year 1.2%. 17.6% of students with history of hospital admission where found to be MRSA positive, 10% of bronchial asthma sufferers, and 37.5% of immunocompromised students either due to medication or cancer were MRSA positive.

Conclusion: MRSA nasal carriage among clinical medical students in KSUMC was found to be 3.3%. We recommend teaching standard practices of infection control protocols and additional precautions.