Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in health-care workers with cystic fibrosis in Sydney

Abstract

Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal inherited disorder in Australia, is associated with increased respiratory tract colonization/infection. Given that many adults with CF work as health-care workers (HCW), which has been associated with an increased risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization/infection, we examined these risks in 252 adults with CF at our centre between 2001–2015. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including pathogens, were compared for HCW and non-HCW groups. MRSA colonization/infection was found in 20 subjects, comprising 2/19 HCW, and 18/233 non-HCW (p = 0.66). Sixteen of these 20 subjects undertook eradication therapy, with success in 2/2 HCW and 5/14 non-HCW. This study showed that the rate of MRSA colonization/infection did not differ between adults with CF who work in the health-care setting versus other areas. This suggests that choosing a health-care profession does not necessarily result in an increased risk of MRSA colonization/infection for an adult with CF.