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Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

MRSA in nursing homes in the Netherlands 1989 to 1998: a developing reservoir?

W Goettsch1, E Geubbels, W Wannet

  • 1National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Diagnostic Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|March 13, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates increased in Dutch nursing homes by 1998. This rise in MRSA prevalence may contribute to its spread beyond these facilities.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant healthcare challenge.
  • Surveillance of MRSA in long-term care facilities is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the trend in MRSA prevalence in Dutch nursing homes.
  • To assess the potential for MRSA to spread from nursing homes into the wider community.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of MRSA prevalence data.
  • Comparison of prevalence rates between 1998 and the period 1989-1997.

Main Results:

  • A higher prevalence of MRSA was observed in Dutch nursing homes in 1998 compared to 1989-1997.
  • The increasing MRSA prevalence suggests a potential for increased community colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Dutch nursing homes experienced a rise in MRSA prevalence by 1998.
  • The findings highlight the need for enhanced MRSA surveillance and control measures in nursing homes to prevent community spread.

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