Staphylococcus aureus infections: transmission within households and the community

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus , both methicillin susceptible and resistant, are now major community-based pathogens worldwide. The basis for this is multifactorial and includes the emergence of epidemic clones with enhanced virulence, antibiotic resistance, colonization potential, or transmissibility. Household reservoirs of these unique strains are crucial to their success as community-based pathogens. Staphylococci become resident in households, either as colonizers or environmental contaminants, increasing the risk for recurrent infections. Interactions of household members with others in different households or at community sites including schools and daycare facilities play a critical role in the ability of these strains to become endemic. Colonization density at these sites appears to play an important role in facilitating transmission. The integration of research tools including whole genome sequencing, mathematical modeling and social network analysis have provided additional insight into the transmission dynamics of these strains. Thus far, interventions designed to reduce recurrent infections among household members have had limited success, likely due to the multiplicity of potential sources for recolonization. The development of better strategies to reduce the number of household-based infections will depend on greater insight into the different factors that contribute to the success of these uniquely successful epidemic clones of S. aureus.

Development of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based Biosensor for the Detection of Staphylococcus aureus

“…Among the foodborne disease-causing bacteria involved in predominant foodborne disease outbreaks, Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis resulting from the consumption of contaminated food [1]. Since 2010 in South Korea, approximately 1,180 people have been hospitalized from 66 outbreaks of Staphylococcus [2].…”

Lack of Involvement of Fenton Chemistry in Death of Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Sensitive Strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Destruction of Their Genomes on Wet or Dry Copper Alloy Surfaces

“…However, new strains of S. aureus that have acquired further virulence factors and toxins or that have adapted to a specific environment, for example, an increased ability to cause bacteremia (2), are still a considerable threat. There is now widespread community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA), and infections can spread within households, day care centers, and schools (3). In addition, Giuffre et al observed an increasing incidence of MRSA in neonates (4).…”

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection control and nasal MRSA carriage rate among dental health-care professionals

“…Theoretically, these nasal MRSA carriers can serve as a reservoir for MRSA transmission to others and be exposed to self‐contamination with MRSA. Especially, MRSA carriers are known to transmit MRSA to household members and to increase the risk of recurrent infections among individuals who are in close contact in the community as well as in their households.…”

“…Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been considered a pathogen of great concern because of the burden of serious disease associated with infection. In addition to relatively mild skin and soft‐tissue infections, MRSA can cause life‐threatening pneumonia and sepsis. The prevalence of MRSA differs considerably among regions and countries.…”