Comparison of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage rate in the general population with the health-worker population

Abstract

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is becoming a widespread problem and a major health issue. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming increasingly frequent in hospitals. In this study we compared the carriage rate of MRSA in 100 health workers at North Shore Hospital with the carriage rate of MRSA in the general population (100 staff members and students of Auckland University of Technology) and found a prevalence of MRSA in the health workers of 4%, but none in the general population group. The implication of MRSA carriage in health workers is discussed.