Outcome for invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Invasive Staphylococcus aureus (ISA) infections pose a significant public health challenge.
• Understanding the outcomes of ISA is crucial for effective patient management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the outcomes of invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections, including mortality, recurrence, and residual symptoms.
• To identify risk factors associated with higher mortality and recurrence rates in ISA patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, population-based study was conducted in western Sweden.
• Data were collected from 157 patients diagnosed with ISA between March 2003 and February 2005.

Main Results:

• The overall mortality rate for ISA was 19.1%, with higher rates in complicated bacteraemia (32%) and severe sepsis (54%).
• Recurrence occurred in 9.3% of cases, particularly in line-associated infections.
• A substantial proportion of survivors (34%) reported residual symptoms, indicating incomplete recovery.

Conclusions:

• Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections represent a major medical concern due to high mortality, recurrence, and long-term morbidity.
• Older age, heart disease, and endovascular involvement are associated with increased mortality.
• Bacterial accessory gene regulator (agr) type did not influence disease presentation.