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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

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage among patients after hospital discharge

Menno R Vriens1, Hetty E M Blok, Ada C M Gigengack-Baars

  • 1University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Surgery, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|August 12, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) eradication therapy is effective for most carriers, even those with risk factors. Follow-up for MRSA-positive patients should include risk factor screening for at least 12 months.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant healthcare challenge.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial for reducing MRSA transmission and colonization.
  • Hospital follow-up protocols for MRSA-positive patients typically involve risk factor assessment and screening.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the duration of MRSA colonization in patients after hospital discharge.
  • To identify risk factors associated with prolonged MRSA carriage.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of eradication therapy for MRSA carriers.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 135 MRSA-positive patients at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU) from 1991 to 2001.
  • Assessment of carriage state, risk factors for prolonged carriage, and eradication treatment outcomes.
  • Follow-up duration varied based on the persistence of risk factors and MRSA cultures.

Main Results:

  • The median follow-up time was 1.2 years, with 18% of patients dismissed after 1 year.
  • Eradication therapy was effective in 95% of patients without risk factors within 1 year.
  • For patients with persistent risk factors, treatment efficacy was 89% within 2 years.

Conclusions:

  • Eradication therapy for MRSA carriers is recommended regardless of risk factor presence.
  • A 6-month evaluation for risk factors and MRSA carriage is advised for MRSA-positive patients.
  • Patients with negative MRSA cultures and no risk factors for 12 months can be safely discharged from follow-up.

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