Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection: Knowledge, preventive practices and colonisation among healthcare professionals of surgical units

Staphylococcus aureusis the most prevalent pathogen in hospitals and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major drug resistant strain. The severity may range from a minor skin infection to major life threatening septic shock. The objective of the study were to assess the knowledge of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on MRSA infection, to observe and to screen HCPs to detect MRSA colonization and decolonize them appropriately. Method: A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted in surgical units of a tertiary care hospital, Southern India among 101 HCPs. The concealed observation of the infection control practices was done using observational checklist followed by which theHCPS were screened (anterior nares, throat and axilla or web spaces) to detect MRSA carrier status. Knowledge on MRSA infection and prevention was assessed through structured knowledge questionnaire. Results: Among 101 HCPs, 42% had excellent knowledge on transmission and prevention of MRSA. Observation of infection control practices revealed that there was good compliance in waste disposal and specimen collection but the compliance was low in hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment and dressing. Out of 101 HCPs, 2.97% were found to be the carriers. Conclusion: Increase in the compliance towards hand hygiene and infection control practices would reduce the infection rate and also motivating the HCPs to follow standard precautions would contribute towards prevention of hospital acquired infections.