Frequency of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization among preschool and school children under 14 years old in Urmia

Background and Aims: Nasal Colonization with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known as an important risk factor in the development of dangerous infections. Materials and Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization among the preschool and school children under 14 in Urmia. To do so, specimens for culture were obtained from 400 children. Cultures and antibiograms with oxacillin discs were performed in Shahid Motahari hospital of Urmia. Results: 81 cases (47 females, 34 males) out of 400, nasal colonization were observed. Of which 12 (5 females, 7 males) were resistant to methicillin. Colonization was slightly higher among the females with no statistically significant difference (P.value>1). Conclusion: The results indicate that colonization with MRSA is present among healthy children in the studied population. Fortunately, the respective prevalence was not higher compared to other areas. Further attention is required by the health authorities to prevent the transmission of such organisms among children