Work

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Swab Utilization as a Predictor for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Background: (MRSA) infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, though isolation on a culture can often be difficult We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine use of MRSA nasal swabs for the prediction of this organism as a cause of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). Method: Electronic databases were systematically searched. Selected studies were combined and data extracted and analyzed to calculate diagnostic performance characteristics. Results: Twenty-five studies were included. The overall positive predictive value was 70% and negative predictive value 87%. The positive and negative predictive values were 77% and 87% for a mixed composite of SSTIs, 71% and 91% for purulent infections, 63% and 87% for diabetic foot infections, and 48% and 79% for surgical site infections, respectively. Conclusions: Nasal screening as a predictor for MRSA SSTIs has a high negative predictive value in areas where MRSA prevalence is low.

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofag221

Authors: Thomas Kalinoski, Michael Kalinoski, Susan Kline, Ann Brearley, Anmol Nigam, James Harmon

Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,053