Population based prevalence of community acquired methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus in community settings of Srinagar Garhwal, India.

Abstract

The present study was done to determine the prevalence of community acquired MRSA in the healthy population of Srinagar Garhwal. Population dwelling 200m away from the tertiary healthcare centre was chosen as target group and 212 samples in all from different anatomical sites were obtained after informed consent. Multiplex PCR was done to study the SCCmec gene type to confirm MRSA of community origin and prevalence in percentage was deduced thereafter to get clear picture. 108(50.94%) individuals were reported to have s. aureus and nasal colonization was reported to be most prevalent. Of s. aureus isolates 19 (17.59%) were methicillin resistant. Nasal carriage was the most prevalent anatomical site with 12 (63.15%) colonization of CA MRSA followed by upper respiratory tract and skin 5 (26.31%) and 2 (10.52%). Overall prevalence of CA MRSA was 8.96%. Keeping in mind the geographically distinct hilly region, although not very high but alarming prevalence of CA MRSA was observed. Our findings thus have serious implications for the rationale and judicial use of antibiotics.