Prevalence Of Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization In Patients For Total Joint Arthroplasty In South Africa

Abstract

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty. Staphylococcus aureus colonization is an independent, modifiable risk factor for periprosthetic joint infections. Post-operative infections are reported to be ten times greater in Staphylococcus aureus carriers than in non-carriers in developed countries though recorded data is lacking for the developing world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients awaiting Total Joint Arthroplasty in South Africa. Methods: We prospectively assessed 119 patients awaiting Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty between May and October 2016. We screened three separate anatomical sites on each patient for Staphylococcus aureus. Patients with positive cultures were treated with intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine body wash. Univariate and comparative statistical analyses to determine risk factors for colonization was conducted using t-tests, Fisher's exact tests, and chi square analyses.Results: The overall prevalence of Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus colonization was 31.9% (n = 38). There were no patients colonized with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Nasal swabs returned a yield of 81.6%(n=31), with groin swabs and axillary swabs at 39.5% (n=15) and28.9% (n=11) respectively. Eradication was successful in 94.74% (n=36) after five days treatment. All patients (100%) were decolonized after counseling and repeat eradication treatment. The overall complication rate was 7.6% (n=9). The 30-day readmission rate in the Staphylococcus aureuscolonized group was 7.9% (n=3) as opposed to 7.4% (n=6) in the non-colonized cohort. There were no 60-and 90-day readmissions and no cases were revised at a mean follow-up of 2.26 years. Conclusions: The rate of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients undergoing elective TotalJoint Arthroplasty in a developing country was 31.9% and is equivalent to reported rates in developed countries. Eradication treatment with combined intranasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine body wash is a successful treatment modality. A larger cohort of patients is recommended to determine risk factors and post-operative septic sequelae in this population group.