ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are rampant in hospitals and residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs). AIM: To analyse the prevalence of MRSA colonization among residents and staff, and degree of environmental contamination and air dispersal of MRSA in RCHEs. METHODS: Epidemiological and genetic analysis by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 12 RCHEs in Hong Kong. FINDINGS: During the COVID-19 pandemic (from September to October 2021), 48.7% (380/781) of RCHE residents were found to harbour MRSA at any body site, and 8.5% (8/213) of staff were nasal MRSA carriers. Among 239 environmental samples, MRSA was found in 39.0% (16/41) of randomly selected resident rooms and 31.3% (62/198) of common areas. The common areas accessible by residents had significantly higher MRSA contamination rates than those that were not accessible by residents (37.2%, 46/121 vs. 22.1%, 17/177, P=0.028). Of 124 air samples, nine (7.3%) were MRSA-positive from four RCHEs. Air dispersal of MRSA was significantly associated with operating indoor fans in RCHEs (100%, 4/4 vs. 0%, 0/8, P=0.002). WGS of MRSA isolates collected from residents, staff and environmental and air samples showed that ST 1047 (CC1) lineage 1 constituted 43.1% (66/153) of all MRSA isolates. A distinctive predominant genetic lineage of MRSA in each RCHE was observed, suggestive of intra-RCHE transmission rather than clonal acquisition from the catchment hospital. CONCLUSION: MRSA control in RCHEs is no less important than in hospitals. Air dispersal of MRSA may be an important mechanism of dissemination in RCHEs with operating indoor fans.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcal Infections , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , Carrier State/epidemiology , Humans , Methicillin , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics , Pandemics , Staphylococcal Infections/epidemiologySubject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Child , Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Editorial Policies , Hong Kong , HumansSubject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy , Stroke/psychology , Apathy , Humans , Mutation , Stroke/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The use of motor vehicles is common during pregnancy. Correct seatbelt use during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the pregnant woman and her fetus. This survey aimed to evaluate the practices, beliefs, and knowledge of Hong Kong pregnant women of correct seatbelt use, and identify factors leading to reduced compliance and inadequate knowledge. METHODS: A self-administered survey was completed by postpartum women in the postnatal ward at the United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, from January to April 2015. Eligible surveys were available from 495 women. The primary outcome was the proportion of pregnant women who maintained or reduced seatbelt use during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes were analysed and included knowledge of correct seatbelt use, as well as contributing factors to non-compliance and inadequate knowledge. RESULTS: There was decreased compliance with seatbelt use during pregnancy and the decrease was in line with increasing gestation. Pregnant women's knowledge about seatbelt use was inadequate and only a minority had received relevant information. Women who held a driving licence and had a higher education level were more likely to wear a seatbelt before and during pregnancy. Women with tertiary education or above knew more about seatbelt use. CONCLUSIONS: Public health education for pregnant women in Hong Kong about road safety is advisable, and targeting the lower-compliant groups may be more effective and successful.
Subject(s)
Health Education , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Seat Belts/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Educational Status , Female , Hong Kong , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimesters , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
A prospective study of Chinese patients with megaloblastic anaemia was conducted at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital from 1 May 1994 to 31 August 1997. Megaloblastic anaemia was diagnosed in 57 patients, 52 of whom were eligible for further evaluation. The median age of these 52 patients was 73.5 years and the male to female ratio was 1.08:1. The serum cobalamin level (median, 56 ng/L) was low in 46 (86.5%) patients. In five (9.6%) patients, both serum cobalamin and red blood cell folate concentrations were low. Isolated low red blood cell folate level was demonstrated in one (1.9%) patient. Serum antibodies against intrinsic factor and gastric parietal cells were detected in 32 (61.5%) and 26 (50.0%) patients, respectively; 19 (36.5%) patients had both types of antibody. The aetiology of megaloblastic anaemia included pernicious anaemia in 39 (75%) patients, postgastrectomy vitamin B12 deficiency in five (9.6%) patients, and nutritional deficiency in two (3.8%) patients; the cause was undetermined in six (11.5%) patients.
