title: MRSA nasal colonization in children: prevalence meta-analysis, review of risk factors and molecular genetics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report a meta-analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization prevalence in children and a review of the risk factors as well as molecular genetic characterization.
  
  
  METHODS
  All relevant studies reporting prevalence data on MRSA nasal colonization in children published between January 2000 and August 2010 were retrieved from the MEDLINE database and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After screening 544 studies, 50 studies were included. We obtained an estimate of MRSA prevalence of 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-3.1); of 5.2% (95% CI: 3.1-7.3) in children with underlying conditions and of 2.3% (95% CI: 1.8-2.7) in healthy children; 5.4% (95% CI: 3.1-7.7) in children recruited in hospitals and 3% (95% CI: 2.4-3.6) in children recruited in the community. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type IV is the most diffused cassette globally.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hospital remains the environment where the microorganism circulates most. Children with underlying conditions could act as vectors of microorganisms between the hospital and the community. MRSA prevention strategies should be tailored to each specific institution, taking into account the nosocomial prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization and infections, and the prevalence of nasal colonization in the community that refers to the specific health care center.
authors: Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. f.gesualdo@gmail.com
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Gesualdo
authors: Dafne
authors: D
authors: Bongiorno
authors: Caterina
authors: C
authors: Rizzo
authors: Antonino
authors: A
authors: Bella
authors: Donato
authors: D
authors: Menichella
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Stefani
authors: Alberto E
authors: AE
authors: Tozzi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D055815:Young Adult