Investigation of an Outbreak of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Among United States Marine Corps Recruits During Basic Training

An increase in community-acquired (CA) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among graduating Marine Corps recruits prompted this investigation by the Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Number Two (NEPMU-2). The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of MRSA colonization among 367 recruits during their 12-week training period from March through June 2002. Prevalence was initially 41% upon entry to training. The anterior nasal mucosa of recruits was cultured upon their entry into recruit training and two subsequent samples were taken before and after a 56-hour training regimen required for all Marines prior to graduation, known as the crucible. By using the data collected, statistical analysis was completed on theresults to determine if colonization was impacted by recruit training and if there was a significant relationship between MRSA and the risk factors of age, sex, geographic location prior to recruit training, race, and hospitalization within the last twelve months.Master of Public Healt