Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) has recently been recognized as a threat to the health and well-being of inmates. As a communicable illness, the prison environment is ideal for MRSA transmission. Infection control techniques used to investigate and control outbreaks of MRSA in hospitals have been underutilized in this population. Preliminary data from Baltimore City Correctional Facilities suggests that 66.7% of all chronic wounds among inmates are infected with MRSA; it is unknown if these infections are epidemiologically related. The research questions of this proposed study are: 1. What is the prevalence, demographic characteristics, and risk factors of MRSA-colonized persons upon detention/arrest (pre-sentence)? 2. What are the risk factors for MRSA colonization/infection among detainees/arrestees that enter the prison system MRSA-negative, but have subsequent MRSA positive cultures? 3. To what extent does cluster identification using molecular epidemiological techniques (PFGE, SCCmec typing, and PVL determination) assist in the identification of MRSA source strains and control of prison-base? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NR009334-01
Application #
6887033
Study Section
National Institute of Nursing Research Initial Review Group (NRRC)
Program Officer
Hare, Martha L
Project Start
2005-01-16
Project End
2010-01-15
Budget Start
2005-01-16
Budget End
2006-01-15
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$35,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218