Prevalence of MRSA colonization during pregnancy in Northern Mumbai

Screening for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common practice in many hospitals, particularly for high-risk patients. However, its occurrence and clinical significance in expectant mothers remain unclear. A recent study aimed to investigate MRSA colonization rates in our obstetric population.

This was a prospective study conducted over three months, between 2019 and 2020, wherein MRSA screening samples from pregnant women at 32-34 weeks of gestation were collected after informed consent. All samples underwent standard microbiological analysis. MRSA-positive women received a decolonization program, and their care was monitored.

The study included 78 mothers, revealing a 2.5% MRSA colonization rate at 32-34 weeks of gestation. Decolonization was recommended for MRSA carriers. The obstetric population demonstrated a low MRSA colonization rate. The researchers concluded that continuous monitoring of MRSA infections in both obstetric populations and their infants is essential.

While MRSA screening recommendations are currently debated and not universally accepted, targeted antenatal screening and decolonization in high-risk pregnant women could decrease infections. However, due to insufficient data on MRSA persistence, determining the ideal gestational age for screening remains inconclusive. In settings such as this, where MRSA prevalence among pregnant women is low, regular nasal screening tests for all pregnant women are not advocated.

Source: Patel K, Thiyagarajan KS, Patil YP, Choudhari VS, Carval TN. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res. 2023;10(4):421-425