Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): a community-based prevalence survey

A prevalence survey of nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (M RSA) carriage was undertaken on a random sample of adults (aged over 16) re sident in the community in Birmingham, UK during 1998. Microbiological samp les were taken from the anterior nares at the subjects' general practice or in their home. Information about risk factors for the acquisition of MRSA was obtained via a self-completed questionnaire. A 58% response rate (280/4 83) was achieved. The prevalence of nasal MRSA colonization was 1.5% [4/274 , 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-2.9%]. Twenty-three per cent (63/274) o f subjects were nasal carriers of S. aureus. Six per cent (4/63) of S. aure us isolates were MRSA and 2 of the 4 MRSA carriers reported previous contac t with health facilities. The prevalence of MRSA colonization in the genera l adult population in Birmingham appears to be low.