How Common Is S. aureus Nasal Colonization in the U.S.?

Prevalence is high for S. aureus, but surprisingly low for MRSA.

Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections are usually preceded by nasal colonization. Although surveys of S. aureus nasal carriage have been conducted in healthcare settings and with local population samples, its prevalence in the general U.S. population has been unknown. Now, as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2001–2002, CDC investigators have obtained anterior nares cultures from noninstitutionalized individuals ≥1 year old from across the country.

Of 9622 individuals sampled, 2964 carried S. aureus; 75 isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Weighted estimates of S. aureus and MRSA colonization prevalence were 32.4% and 0.8%, respectively. School-age (6- to 11-year-old) children had the highest prevale…

Reviewing Author

Daniel J. Diekema, MD, MS