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Emerging healthcare-associated problem pathogens in the United States
W R Jarvis1, R L Sinkowitz-Cochran
1Investigation and Prevention Branch, Hospital Infections Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. wrj1@CDC.gov
Postgraduate Medicine
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Healthcare delivery changes have increased healthcare-associated infections and the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens like MRSA. Enhanced infection control and appropriate antimicrobial use are crucial to combat this growing threat.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Healthcare Epidemiology
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) significantly contribute to patient morbidity and mortality.
- Shifting healthcare delivery models, including reduced hospital beds and increased outpatient/home care, blur infection acquisition settings.
- These changes complicate infection control and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of evolving healthcare delivery on HAIs and antimicrobial resistance.
- To highlight the increasing challenge of controlling resistant pathogens in diverse healthcare settings.
- To emphasize the need for improved infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system.
- Comparison of infection rates between 1993-1997 and 1998.
- Identification of trends in specific antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
Main Results:
- Significant increases observed in vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between 1993-1997 and 1998.
- Rise in methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci and resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
- Emergence of vancomycin-intermediate resistant S. aureus and community transmission of MRSA.
Conclusions:
- Evolving healthcare settings necessitate expanded infection control strategies.
- Appropriate antimicrobial use is critical to mitigate the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
- Proactive measures are essential to control the emergence and transmission of resistant pathogens.
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