MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THE TRANSMISSION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN KYIV ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS, UKRAINE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim: To evaluate the potential of transmission of methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Ukrainian acute care hospitals. Materials and methods: We performed a multicenter cross-sectional study. Definitions of HAI were used from the CDC/ NHSN. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion method according to the EUCAST. The cefoxitin-resistant isolates S.aureus were analyzed for the presence of the mecA gene and femA endogenous control gene using PCR. The virulence factor encoding genes (lukS-PV and lukF-PV) were detected by PCR. Results: Of 2,421 patients with HAIs caused S.aureus included in the study, 28.7% patients had MRSA. Prevalence of nasal carriage rate of MRSA among healthcare workers (HCWs) was 33.3%. MRSA contamination of hands and uniforms/gowns of HCW were 32.2% and 29.7%, respectively. MRSA contamination in the inanimate environment surfaces in near- and extended patients areas were 26.9%. The predominant MRSA contamination in hospital environment surfaces were: room inner door knob (32.8%), bed rails (28.9%), room light switch (28.9%), chair (27.9%), bedside table handle (20.6%), bedside table (20.5%), and tray table (13.7%). The PVL gene was present in 38.7% of MRSA strains, isolated from patients with HAIs and in 55.7% of MRSA, isolated from environment surfaces in patient area. In addition, the PVL genes were detected in over 56.3% of MRSA isolated from HCWs carrier. Conclusions: The majority of MRSA is acquired during hospitalization. Environmental surfaces may serve as potential reservoirs for nosocomial MRSA and facilitate transmissions via contact.