METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS IN 2 CHILD-CARE CENTERS

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has not been studie d in child care centers. The prevalence of hlRSA colonization was dete rmined at two centers with an index patient. Two (3%) of 61 children a t center X had MRSA; strains from both children and the index illness were pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type B, Nine (24%) of 40 childre n at center Y had MRSA; strains from 5 children and the index illness were type B, and strains from 4 children were type A. Ten of 11 coloni zed children were in classes with 2- and 3-year-old children. Coloniza tion with MRSA was not associated with health care contact by subjects or by members of their households. MRSA in child day care centers ind icates accelerated spread of MRSA in the community.