Prevalence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in pregnant females visiting at tertiary care hospital in Northern Mumbai

Abstract

Methicillin resistant s (MRSA) screening is a routine practice at many hospitals for high-risk patients. However, its incidence and clinical significance in expectant mothers are poorly understood. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to look at MRSA colonization rates in our obstetric population.Prospective study was conducted for three months from December 2019 to February 2020. MRSA screening samples from pregnant women at 32-34 weeks of gestation were collected after informed consent. All screening samples underwent standard microbiological analysis. Women who tested positive for MRSA received a decolonization program and their care was monitored.Total 78 mothers were included in the study. The rate of MRSA colonisation was 2.5% at 32 – 34 week of gestation. Decolonization protocol was advised for MRSA carriers.Our obstetric population has a low colonization rate for MRSA. Infections could be decreased with targeted antenatal MRSA screening and decolonization in women at high risk. Continued monitoring of MRSA infections in obstetric population and their infants is required.