| The prevalence and risk factors for community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), an emerging pathogen, remain a public health concern and warrant further studies. Since 2005, cases of MRSA skin infections have been observed at a military academy. This retrospective cohort study used multiple approaches based on the epidemiologic triangle to evaluate laboratory-confirmed MRSA cases to ascertain the prevalence and risk factors for CA-MRSA colonization among cadets at the academy. Historical data were obtained from an infection control nurse at an army community hospital. Environmental data were collected from 2 Barracks, A and B, and a fitness center. Poisson regression was used to compare the rates of disease between 4th-class (new) cadets and other classes of cadets (3rd, 2nd, and 1st class), chi-square analysis was used to identify sources of infection, and logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of seasonality on the rates of the infection. Results indicated that 4th-class cadets were 23.15 times more likely to experience CA-MRSA infection, Barrack A was a significant source of infection, and Summer season was significantly associated with CA-MRSA infection among cadets. This research promotes positive social change by establishing a specific source of infection and identifying the most vulnerable class of cadets. The military academy could formulate policies or effective preventive measures to reduce the infection rate. Further research is needed to understand the role of summer initial training activities in CA-MRSA infections at this particular military academy. |
