Abstract
From August to September 2008, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in healthcare workers (HCWs) from 6 Libyan hospitals which have no reported outbreaks 12 months prior to the start of the study. A total of 643 swabs were obtained from HCWs in intensive care units and surgical units in the 6 different hospitals in Tripoli, Libya. Specimens were collected from the anterior nares and were then inoculated on BBL CHROMagar MRSA plates and were incubated at 37°C for 48 h. MRSA isolates were confirmed with a real-time PCR technique using the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay. MRSA was detected in 64 doctors and 173 nurses. Also, MRSA was detected in 42% (182/432) and 27% (57/211) of HCWs in intensive care units (ICU) and surgical units (SU), respectively. The MRSA carrier rate in all nurses in ICUs was significantly higher than in all nurses in SUs (P<0.00004). It was found that guidelines and policies relating to hand hygiene were absent, alcohol-based hand rub was not routinely used, and compliance with hand hygiene among HCWs was low. High MRSA prevalence among HCWs poses a health risk to patients. Thus, implementation of a comprehensive infection control policy in Libyan hospitals is suggested.