[Transmission aspect of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the neurosurgical intensive care unit by analysing genotype].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify the present situation of hospital infection and route of infection by clarifying the transmission aspect of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit by analysing genotype.


METHODS
MRSA was cultured from twenty five patients with a tracheostomy, twenty five health care workers, and environments in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit of one hospital in D city. Data was collected from December 21, 2004 to November 5, 2005. MRSA isolates representing each genotype were analyzed by spaA typing and a multiplex PCR method capable of identifying the structural type of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec(SCCmec) carried by the bacteria.


RESULTS
As the same genotype and gene sequence were found among health care workers, patients, and environments, it was assumed that there was cross transmission among them.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that first, as the hospital infection by MRSA between health care workers and patients in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit was due to result of cross transmission and the relevance of transmission between them was verified, it is necessary to take preventive measures and conduct education. Secondly, development of nursing interventions and study of infection are needed. Thirdly, consistent investment in prevention against hospital infections and environmental renovation is needed.
Kim
Yun Kyung
YK
Department of Nursing, Taegu Science College, Korea.
Hong
Hae Sook
HS
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D009493:Neurosurgery; D046915:Penicillin-Binding Proteins; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014139:Tracheostomy
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D046915:Penicillin-Binding Proteins; C487789:mecA protein, Staphylococcus aureus