Related Experiment Videos
[Control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Spanish hospitals. A survey from the MRSA 2003
Jesús Rodríguez-Baño1, Antonio B Millán, María Angeles Domínguez
1Sección de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain. jrb@nacom.es
Introduction:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main nosocomial pathogens. The incidence of MRSA infections is increasing in Spain. The objective of this study was to investigate the measures used for surveillance and control of MRSA in a sample of Spanish hospitals.
Methods:
A questionnaire survey was done, including data on the incidence of MRSA infection/colonization for 2002, the microbiological methods used to study S. aureus susceptibility, and the use of control measures based on published guidelines.
Results:
Sixty-one hospitals with a catchment population of 16 million inhabitants participated. Automatic methods were most frequently used for routine susceptibility testing. The median incidence was 0.45 cases/100 admissions; this data could be obtained from only 70% of the centers. In 59%, the incidence was indicative of high transmission. Isolation precautions were indicated for all patients with MRSA in 95% of the hospitals; screening of carriers among patients was performed in 18% to 72%, depending on the circumstances. Health care workers from at least one unit had been screened in 52% of the hospitals during 2002. Mupirocin was used for the treatment of 90% of colonized persons.
Conclusion:
There is considerable variation in the application of control measures in the hospitals surveyed. National guidelines with recommendations for MRSA control are needed in Spain.
Insights
Surveillance and control of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Spanish hospitals shows significant variation. National guidelines are needed to standardize MRSA infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- MRSA infection rates are rising in Spain.
- This study examines MRSA surveillance and control practices in Spanish hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current MRSA surveillance and control strategies in Spanish hospitals.
- To identify variations in the implementation of MRSA control measures.
- To highlight the need for national guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 61 Spanish hospitals.
- Data collected included MRSA incidence, microbiological methods, and control measure adherence.
- Surveillance data from 2002 was analyzed.
Main Results:
- The median MRSA incidence was 0.45 cases per 100 admissions, with high transmission in 59% of centers.
- Isolation precautions were used in 95% of hospitals; patient screening varied (18%-72%).
- Healthcare worker screening occurred in 52% of hospitals; mupirocin treated 90% of colonized individuals.
Conclusions:
- Significant variability exists in MRSA control measure application across Spanish hospitals.
- There is a clear need for standardized national guidelines for MRSA control in Spain.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA