<![CDATA[Staphylococcus aureus, a leading pathogen in various human infections, can colonize different anatomical sites asymptomatically, posing risks to immunocompromised individuals. This study aims to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic nasal carriage of S. aureus among pre-clinical medical students. Nasal swab samples were collected from 57 medical students on two occasions, ten months apart, and S. aureus was identified by culture method. S. aureus nasal carriage was found in 10 (17%) participants. Nearly all participants (98%) had more than one bacterial type on nasal swab, with only 1 (2%) showing S. aureus as the sole bacterium. Among the isolated S. aureus, 1 (10%) was Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Among the 37 individuals who participated in both samplings, S. aureus was detected at least once in the nasal swabs of 18 individuals (49%): 13 participants (35%) were intermittent carriers, and 5 participants (14%) were persistent carriers. Our study reveals that a significant number of pre-clinical medical students are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus in their nasal passages, either intermittently or persistently. As they transition into healthcare roles, these carriers may act as reservoirs for transmission of this bacteria within healthcare settings.]]>
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