MRSA: rare in the vagina

Abstract

Study objective: To determine the prevalence of vaginal Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in sexually active adolescent women.

Design: A prospective surveillance study.

Participants: Patients included 315 sexually active young women (ages 13-24) undergoing routine pelvic examination and wet mount testing in an urban teen health center.

Main outcome measures: Prevalence of vaginal S. aureus and MRSA.

Results: S. aureus was present in 16 samples for a point estimate of 5.1% (95% CI: 2.6%-7.5%). MRSA was detected in two samples, giving a vaginal prevalence estimate of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.0% -1.5%). No differences were detected in the prevalence of S. aureus by age or race, although no cases of S. aureus were observed in those under age 15.

Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA in a sample of sexually active adolescents was as rare as reported in other populations. It is unlikely that vaginal MRSA is a reservoir for community acquired infections.