High prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus among residents and staff of long-term care facilities, involving joint and parallel evolution

Abstract

Six long-term care facilities were surveyed for methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus (MRSA). Among 191 residents, 14% were carriers; 1 strain predominated (ST5-SCCmec II). Among 132 staff members, 11% were positive; 2 strains predominated (ST5-SCCmec II, ST8-SCCmec IV). All strains were Panton-Valentine leukocidin-negative. The epidemiology of MRSA among residents and staff involved joint and parallel evolution. © 2011 The Author.