High rates of VRE drive co-colonization with MRSA among nursing facility patients

A study published in American Journal of Infection Control examined methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci co-colonization that may facilitate resistance transfer among nursing facility patients.

Researchers cultured the hands, nares, oropharynx, groin and perianal region as well as wounds and device insertion sites of newly admitted nursing home patients. They cultured the areas upon enrollment at day 14 and day 30, and conducted a monthly follow-ups for up to six months.

Researchers enrolled 508 patients with an average follow-up time of 28.5 days. They found:

• Prevalence of MRSA/VRE co-colonization: 8.7 percent
• Prevalence of MRSA alone: 8.9 percent
• Prevalence of VRE alone: 23.4 percent

Independent predictors of co-colonization included indwelling device use, recent antibiotic use, diabetes and the presence of open wounds.

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