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

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

[Impact of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among geriatric intermediate care

Karine Giraud1, Guy Chatap, Sylvie Bastuji-Garin

  • 1Centre hospitalier Emile Roux (AP-HP), Limeil Brévannes. karine.giraud@erx.ap-hop-paris.fr

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|December 23, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nasal carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in elderly patients did not increase hospital stay or antibiotic costs. However, MRSA nasal carriers faced a higher risk of mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Nasal carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant concern in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding the impact of MRSA carriage on patient outcomes is crucial for effective management, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical and economic consequences of nasal MRSA carriage in geriatric patients admitted to an intermediate care facility.
  • To assess the association between MRSA nasal carriage and antibiotic costs, infectious morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study included 341 elderly patients (mean age 83.4 years) admitted to an intermediate care facility.
  • Nasal swab cultures were performed on admission to identify MRSA carriers.
  • Patient data on antibiotic use, infections, mortality, and length of stay were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Of 281 screened patients, 52 (17.6%) were identified as MRSA carriers.
  • Predictive factors for MRSA carriage included diabetes, sores, malnutrition, polypathology, and prolonged previous hospitalization.
  • MRSA nasal carriage was not associated with increased antibiotic costs, infectious morbidity, or length of stay.

Conclusions:

  • Nasal MRSA carriage upon admission to a geriatric facility was not linked to adverse outcomes in terms of hospital stay, infectious morbidity, or antibiotic expenditure.
  • A significant finding was the association of MRSA nasal carriage with an elevated risk of mortality in this elderly cohort.

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