Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia at Alice Springs Hospital, Central Australia, 2003-2006

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is a significant cause of mortality at Alice Springs Hospital (ASH).
• Non-multidrug-resistant, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (nmMRSA) is endemic in the region.
• Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death at ASH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial differences in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of SAB.
• To compare SAB incidence and resistance phenotypes between indigenous and non-indigenous populations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical and pathology records for SAB inpatients from January 2003 to December 2006.
• Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentations, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The incidence rate of SAB was significantly higher in the indigenous population (160.7/100,000) compared to the non-indigenous population (8.1/100,000).
• Indigenous adults were more likely to present with skin infections as the source of SAB.
• Ninety-day mortality rates were similar between indigenous (14.7%) and non-indigenous (14.3%) adults.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous Australians face the highest reported global incidence of SAB, associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and living conditions.
• Socioeconomic factors contribute to pathogen transmission and hygiene challenges, increasing SAB risk.
• Targeted public health interventions are needed to address disparities in SAB incidence and outcomes.