Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage on The Hands of Healthcare Workers: An Assessment for Hand Hygiene Practices in Jos, Nigeria.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is capable of causing a wide range of infections. Contaminated hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) act as a potential source of MRSA transmission in hospitals. Aim This study aims at detecting the carriage of MRSA on the hands of HCWs during patient care and the evaluation of the effective practice of hand hygiene protocol. Methodology This study was a cross-sectional point (prevalence) study done in wards and intensive care units (ICUs) of a tertiary care hospital. Cultures from hand swabs were obtained from HCWs during clinical rounds without prior information about the procedure. A second culture was also taken after the use of an alcohol-based hand rub or handwash (after 1 minute of use). Result Of a total of 145 HCWs screened, 24 (17%) were positive for MRSA. Doctors were 9 while nurses were 10. Six (4%) HCWs remained positive for MRSA after washing their hands or using an alcohol-based hand rub. Conclusion Commitment to preventing healthcare-associated infections requires that regular monitoring of hand hygiene practices be in place. A rapid diagnostic protocol such as MRSA chromogenic agar has a shorter turnaround time compared to standard laboratory workflow in identifying MRSA. Evaluation of the transmission rate of MRSA from HCWs to patients will be encouraged in further studies.