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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

Outbreak of Panton-Valentine leucocidin-positive meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a regional burns unit

L Teare1, O P Shelley, S Millership

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, UK. louise.teare@meht.nhs.uk

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|July 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-MRSA) outbreak on a burns unit was controlled by addressing staff carriage. This persistent infection spread across multiple stages and wards despite extensive cleaning efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • A Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-MRSA) strain caused a prolonged outbreak over 16 months.
  • The specific PVL-MRSA strain was resistant to common antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, neomycin, and gentamicin.
  • This community-associated MRSA lineage was identified as circulating within the UK.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and control of a PVL-MRSA outbreak in a regional burns and plastics unit.
  • To identify the factors contributing to the persistence of the PVL-MRSA strain.
  • To determine the effective measures for controlling the spread of PVL-MRSA in a healthcare setting.

Main Methods:

  • Surveillance of colonization and infection over a 16-month period.
  • Implementation of stringent infection control measures, including unit closure and deep cleaning.
  • Investigation and management of staff carriage of the PVL-MRSA strain.

Main Results:

  • Thirty individuals (19 patients, 1 relative, 10 staff) were colonized or infected.
  • The outbreak progressed through four distinct stages, affecting different areas of the unit and a plastics ward.
  • Standard infection control measures, including deep cleaning, were insufficient to halt the outbreak's progression.
  • Control was ultimately achieved by addressing staff carriage of the PVL-MRSA strain.

Conclusions:

  • Staff carriage is a critical factor in the sustained transmission of PVL-MRSA within healthcare facilities.
  • Comprehensive strategies addressing both environmental and personnel factors are necessary for effective PVL-MRSA outbreak control.
  • The findings highlight the importance of vigilant surveillance and targeted interventions for resistant bacterial strains in clinical settings.

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