Genomic Analysis of Community Transmission Networks for MRSA Among Females Entering a Large Inner-city Jail

Background: It is unclear if there are differences in methicillin-resistant (MRSA) risk between sexes in high-risk populations.

Methods: Females incarcerated at the Cook County Jail were enrolled within 72 hours of intake. Surveillance cultures (nares, throat, groin) were collected to determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization. A survey was administered to identify colonization predictors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of colonization at intake. Genomic sequencing was performed on MRSA colonization and archived clinical isolates.

Results: Two hundred fifty women were enrolled (70% African American, 15% Hispanic), with 70% previously in jail. The prevalence of MRSA colonization at intake was 20%, with 42% of those colonized solely in the throat or groin. Univariate predictors of MRSA colonization at entrance were illicit drug use, unstable housing, engaging in anal sex, recent exchange of sex for drugs/money, and a higher number of recent sexual partners. With multivariate adjustment for race/ethnicity, use of needles for illicit drugs was a significant predictor of MRSA. Use of illicit drugs was also associated with inclusion in a genomic cluster. Nares colonization was significantly associated with being in a genomic cluster (18.8% vs 78.6%;  < .001), whereas exclusive extranasal colonization was associated (odds ratio, 15.89;  < .001).

Conclusions: We found that a high proportion (20%) of females entered jail colonized with MRSA, suggesting that previously reported sex disparities of a lower risk in women may not apply to high-risk populations. Our findings suggest high-risk activities or venues in the community for MRSA, with potential for directing sex-specific interventions.