# Genomic Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition and Their Caregivers

## TL;DR

Patients receiving home nutrition are more likely to carry Staphylococcus aureus if their caregivers do, and related strains often reappear after treatment.

## Contribution

The study reveals high transmission rates and genetic similarity of S. aureus strains between patients and caregivers.

## Key findings

- Patients with carrier caregivers were twice as likely to be colonized with S. aureus.
- 68% of S. aureus strains from patients and caregivers were genetically related.
- Genetically related strains reappeared in 70% of patients after decolonization.

## Abstract

In this prospective study, patients on home parenteral nutrition were twice as likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus if their caregivers were carriers. Among S. aureus-positive patients and their caregivers, molecular analysis showed 68% genetically related strains. Despite decolonization, genetically related strains reappeared in 70% of patients.