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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Management of outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in the neonatal intensive care unit:
Susan I Gerber1, Roderick C Jones, Mary V Scott
1Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Gerber_Sue@cdph.org
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) were investigated. Recommendations were developed to improve MRSA control and prevention strategies in NICUs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Regional collaboration is essential for understanding and controlling MRSA outbreaks in vulnerable infant populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MRSA infection clusters in Chicago-area NICUs.
- To compare infection control practices and develop standardized MRSA prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Surveys collected demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and epidemiologic data on MRSA cases and infection control practices.
- Data were gathered from Level III NICUs in Chicago-area hospitals from June 2001 to September 2002.
Main Results:
- Thirteen MRSA infection clusters were identified, affecting 149 neonates.
- Hospitals employed varied approaches to MRSA control, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Recommendations for MRSA prevention and control in NICUs were established.
- Ongoing collaboration between healthcare facilities and public health agencies is vital for refining MRSA management guidelines.
Objective:
In 2002, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH; Chicago, Illinois) convened the Chicago-Area Neonatal MRSA Working Group (CANMWG) to discuss and compare approaches aimed at control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). To better understand these issues on a regional level, the CDPH and the Evanston Department of Health and Human Services (EDHHS; Evanston, Illinois) began an investigation.
Design:
Survey to collect demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and epidemiologic data on individual cases and clusters of MRSA infection; an additional survey collected data on infection control practices.
Setting:
Level III NICUs at Chicago-area hospitals.
Participants:
Neonates and healthcare workers associated with the level III NICUs.
Methods:
From June 2001 through September 2002, the participating hospitals reported all clusters of MRSA infection in their respective level III NICUs to the CDPH and the EDHHS.
Results:
Thirteen clusters of MRSA infection were detected in level III NICUs, and 149 MRSA-positive infants were reported. Infection control surveys showed that hospitals took different approaches for controlling MRSA colonization and infection in NICUs.
Conclusion:
The CANMWG developed recommendations for the prevention and control of MRSA colonization and infection in the NICU and agreed that recommendations should expand to include future data generated by further studies. Continuing partnerships between hospital infection control personnel and public health professionals will be crucial in honing appropriate guidelines for effective approaches to the management and control of MRSA colonization and infection in NICUs.
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