MATERIALS & METHODS : A total of 100 HCWs were screened for Staphylococcus aureus carriage. Using pre- moistened sterile cotton swabs, specimens collected from the anterior nares, palms and web spaces were cultured & identified by conventional methods for Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were screened for methicillin resistance by Oxacillin ( 1 µg ) disc diffusion, Oxacillin screen agar ( 6 µg/ml) and Cefoxitin ( 30 µg ) disc diffusion& confirmedbydetectionofmecAgeneby PCR.

RESULTS : Out of the 100 HCWs, 23 % were found to be Staphylococcus aureus carriers. The overall MRSA carrier rate was 10 %. Out of 10 MRSA carriers, 7 were from nasal and 3 were from web spaces . All 10 MRSA were detected by Oxacillin screen agar and Cefoxitin disc diffusion as against 8 MRSA by Oxacillin disc diffusion method. Male HCWs harboured statistically significant MRSA. All 10 MRSA isolates were positive for mecA gene by PCR.

CONCLUSION : Our study concludes that MRSA was prevalent in 10 % of HCW's and anterior nares was the commonest site. Male HCWs were predominant carriers of MRSA.. Cefoxitin disc diffusion method can be used as an alternative to the technically demanding PCR.