The Epidemiology of Penicillin-Resistant Staphylococci in a Rural Community

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Abstract
A survey of staphylococcal nasal carriers among the rural community of Cooperstown, New York during the winter of 1959-60 revealed staphylococcal carrier rates of approximately 22% among adult populations with the exception of hospital personnel, 35% of whom harbored staphylococci. Penicillin-resistant rates were approximate ly 10% in the general population but 20% in the hospital employees. The role of hospitalization in the dissemination of penicillin-resistant staphylococci among community groups however was found to be minor. The use of antibiotics among school children decreased the staphylococci carrier rates from 61% in the fall to 38% in January. Penicillin-resistant carrier rates increased during the 8-week period following January and remained elevated throughout the remainder of the school year. Children not receiving antibiotics failed to exhibit any variation in carrier rates throughout the same period.

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