Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency of methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA) in nasal swabs of staff working in intensive care unit and operation theatres of our hospital.
Methodology: This descriptive observational study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from July to December 2018. Nasal swabs were taken from the staff working in the ICUs and operation rooms and were looked for isolation of strains of MRSA.
Results: A total of 53 staff members with mean age 33±2 years were included. MRSA was isolated from the nasal swab of 16 individuals. Most of them were nurses (31.25%) and higher number were male (68.75%).
Conclusion: MRSA colonization was highly prevalent in the staff working in ICUs and Operation rooms of our center. Weekly screening of the staff for MRSA is recommended. Awareness and education of the staff about infection control through hygiene is need of the hour.

Key words: Methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA), Health care workers (HCWs), Intensive care units (ICU).