| It is estimated that 25 – 30% of healthy individuals are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to the beta-lactam antibiotics and causes severe infection. This study was conducted: (1) gain insight of MRSA knowledge of the general population at Quinnipiac University possible risk behaviors for MRSA colonization and the role of demographic factors plays in knowledge and risk behaviors and (2) identify carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, MSSA and MRSA within the surveyed population. Volunteers completed a survey of demographics, knowledge of MRSA, and risk behavior questions Nasal swabs were identified as S. aureus, by growth and color change on Mannitol Salt Agar, then verified by coagulase testing. MRSA was identified by Oxacillin resistance. We found S. aureus colonization of 21.4% and MRSA colonization of 0.7%. Those that had heard of MRSA, were science students and had worked in health care had better knowledge of MRSA. |
