International journal of microbiology
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of MRSA Colonization and Persistence in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Adelaide, Australia
By Asrat BT, Sapula SA, Siderius NL and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
Residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are potential reservoirs for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with residents at increased risk due to compromised immunity, comorbidities, frequent hospital visits, and close living quarters.
Objectives
This study is aimed at assessing MRSA prevalence in RACFs and analyzing antimicrobial resistance mechanisms both phenotypically and genotypically.
Methods
A total of 106 participants were recruited: 84 from three RACFs and 22 from retirement villages (as control samples). MRSA was isolated from nasal, wound, and urine samples using selective media. Identification was confirmed via MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and MRSA screening were conducted using ISO broth microdilution and EUCAST disc diffusion. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics were used to explore resistance mechanisms and clonal transmission.