A Community-Based Study of Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization and Molecular Characterization Among Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Purpose: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization, evaluate community-related behavioral risk factors, and utilize staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing for epidemiological surveillance among community-based men who have sex with men from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System in Houston, Texas. Methods: Descriptive methods and logistic analyses were used to determine associations with nasal colonization. Results: The prevalence of S. aureus colonization was 29.7%; of these, 3.0% were colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Logistic analyses revealed that anal intercourse practices were associated with colonization (P < 0.05). A diverse population of 38 spa types was identified. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that an association among preferential sex practices, condom use, and S. aureus colonization exists and should be investigated further.