Factors influencing the nasal carriage by staphylococci

McMurray, Claire Louise (2016). Factors influencing the nasal carriage by staphylococci. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Nasal carriage of \(Staphylococcus\) \(aureus\) is a major risk factor for surgical infection. An observational longitudinal clinical study was carried out to determine the impact of antibiotic surgical prophylaxis (ASP) on the nasal microbial community, and carriage of staphylococci. Daily nasal samples were taken from 79 study patients, 63 patients received ASP regimens and 16 patients received no antibiotics. Samples were analysed using a culture dependent technique, and a novel culture independent technique using the \(tuf\) gene developed in this thesis. The composition of each individual patient’s own nasal microbial community influenced the observed effect of ASP administration. The overall effect of ASP was a reduction in total aerobic bacterial load and altered the nasal bacterial composition. Both culture and \(tuf\) gene analysis of staphylococcal carriage was comparable, showing an increase in CNS and reduction in \(S\). \(aureus\) after administration of ASP. Analysis of \(tuf\) gene revealed greater staphylococcal species diversity in the nose than by culture, and demonstrated that \(S\). \(aureus\) carriage was not eradicated by ASP. Administration of ASP increased nasal carriage of antibiotic resistant staphylococci. This thesis has demonstrated that ASP impacts on nasal carriage of staphylococci in surgical patients.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):