Abstract
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) are major health problems worldwide. There is a growing concern about the rapid rise in resistance of nosocomial infections to antimicrobial agents. The aim of the present study was to determine nasal colonization of MRSA and MRCoNS among healthcare workers (HCWs) in King Abdulaziz University hospital. A total of 100 respondents were selected for this study and were classified into two groups: HCWs group which included 50 technicians and nurses, and the control group which included 50 university students. Nasal swabs from anterior nares were cultured on selective media for the presence of mecA gene that is common to these bacteria. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific primers were used to determine mecA and coagulase gene (coa). The identified isolates were tested by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results of current study revealed that among 50 HCWs, 21 (42%) were nasal carriers for MRCoNS and 12 (24%) for MRSA. The control group was negative for MRSA and MRCoNS. The results of the current study will help in making decision to prevent the spread of infections among workers in the field of health care.