ABSTRACT
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] has become a problematic cause of both hospital and community infections globally. This study was aimed at identifying MRSA causing infections among hospital patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. One hundred and thirty clinical specimens from hospital patients were inoculated on MacConkey and blood agar plates, incubated overnight at 37°C to isolate Staph aureus. MRSA strains were then identified as pink or mauve colonies on CHROMagar MRSA culture medium [CHROMagar Microbiology, Paris, France]. Mechanism of resistance by the MRSA was tested for by plasmid curing experiment using anti-plasmid agents [acridine orange and ethidium bromide]. Of the 100 isolates of Staph aureus, 88 [88%] were methicillin resistant, while 4.5% of these were plasmid- mediated. The presence of MRSA among patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital has been confirmed in this study. Personal hygiene, decontamination of hands through proper washing and rational use of antibiotics could considerably reduce levels of infections. Screening of asymptomatic persons and those who have recently visited the hospital may be a significant proactive measure to curtail spread of the pathogen
Subject(s)
Humans , Hospitals , Plasmids , PatientsABSTRACT
To assess the occupational exposure to needlestick and sharps injuries and hepatitis B vaccination status among dental auxiliaries. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 83 dental auxiliaries was conducted that included 12 technologists, 11 therapists, 53 nurses/surgical assistants, and 7 record officers. The survey included demography, history of needlestick and sharps injury, hepatitis B vaccination, knowledge and attitude towards HIV-infected patients, and the dental auxiliaries' information needs on HIV-related issues. Of the 83 dental auxiliaries, 34 [41%] had experienced needlestick and sharps injury in the last 12 months. At the time of the study, only 43 [51.8%] had been immunized against hepatitis B. 62 [74.7%] of the respondents thought that it was easier to contract HIV than hepatitis B through needlestick in a dental clinic. 21 [25.3%] would not assist dentists treating HIV-positive patients. However, 76 [91.6%], a majority, agreed that they needed more information on HIV-related issues, with 59 [71.1%] specifying a single area of need and 17 [20.5%] more than one area of need. The single areas of need specified in descending order were infection control [n=22, 26.5%], HIV counseling [n=12, 14.5%], oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS [n=11, 13.3%], postexposure prophylaxis [n=9, 10.8%], and antiretroviral therapy [n=5, 6.0%]. The data from this survey underscore the urgent need for educational interventions to encourage safe work practices. Hepatitis B vaccination, HIV-related knowledge and proper postexposure prophylaxis are needed to prevent occupational transmission of blood-borne viruses