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Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated in Danish hospitals from January 1st, 1966, to December 31st, 1974
Abstract:
During the years 1966-1974, 167,297 strains isolated from 167,297 patients or staff members in Danish hospitals were registered at Staten Seruminstitu. All the strains were phage-typed and examined for production of a 'Tween'-80-splitting enzyme and resistance to mercuric chloride. 158,236 strains were examined for resistance to antibiotics. Since 1968, a steep decrease in the number of strains resistant to three or more antibiotics (multiple-resistant) and in strains of the 83A complex was noticed. In recent years an increase in strains belonging to phage-group I and in those referred to as miscellaneous and non-identified was registered. The increase in the non-typable strains might be explained by the shift of the concentration of the typing phages from 1000 X RTD to 100 X RTD. It is concluded that at least two factors may have contributed to the reduction of the multiple-resistant strains: an altered antibiotic policy, restricting the use of streptomycin and tetracyclines, and an improved hospital hygiene, diminishing the spread of identical strains within the various departments. However, it is emphasized that the consumption of methicillin is still increasing.
Insights
Hospital-acquired bacterial strains showed decreased multiple-antibiotic resistance from 1968, linked to antibiotic policy changes and improved hygiene. However, methicillin use continued to rise.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Hospital epidemiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Data collected from 167,297 patient and staff strains in Danish hospitals between 1966-1974.
- Bacterial strains were characterized by phage-typing, enzyme production, and resistance to mercuric chloride and antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in bacterial resistance and phage types over a nine-year period.
- To identify factors contributing to changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Phage typing of bacterial isolates.
- Assessment of Tween-80-splitting enzyme production.
- Determination of resistance to mercuric chloride and various antibiotics.
- Analysis of antibiotic resistance trends from 1966 to 1974.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in multiple-antibiotic resistant strains and the 83A complex was observed starting in 1968.
- An increase in strains belonging to phage-group I and non-typable strains was noted.
- Methicillin consumption showed a continuous increase throughout the study period.
Conclusions:
- Reduced use of streptomycin and tetracyclines, coupled with enhanced hospital hygiene, likely contributed to the decline in multiple-resistant strains.
- Changes in phage concentration may explain the rise in non-typable strains.
- Ongoing increase in methicillin use warrants further attention.