Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Universal rapid screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the intensive care units in a large

Rebecca Kjonegaard1, Willa Fields, K Michael Peddecord

  • 1Sharp Healthcare, San Diego, CA, USA. Rebecca.Kjonegaard@sharp.com

American Journal of Infection Control
|June 2, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening in intensive care units (ICUs) did not reduce infection rates. Screening is most cost-effective for patients from skilled nursing facilities, not all ICU admissions.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Healthcare-Associated Infections
  • Public Health Policy

Background:

  • Health care-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) poses a significant risk to hospitalized patients.
  • This study assessed the impact of MRSA screening and contact precautions on HA-MRSA rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive and state-mandated MRSA screening for intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
  • To determine the effect of screening and contact precautions on HA-MRSA rates.

Main Methods:

  • A pre- and postimplementation study design was used in medical and surgical ICUs.
  • Computerized records and financial data were utilized to analyze patient admissions and costs.

Main Results:

  • HA-MRSA infection rates did not decrease following the implementation of ICU screening.
  • Patients from skilled nursing and assisted living facilities were 12 times more likely to screen positive for MRSA.
  • The cost per identified MRSA-positive patient was $1,650 (comprehensive) and $953 (state-mandated).

Conclusions:

  • MRSA screening is recommended for patients admitted from skilled nursing facilities in low-prevalence hospitals without outbreaks.
  • Mandatory screening for all ICU admissions is not supported by these findings.
  • Targeted screening can optimize resource allocation in infection control.

More Related Videos

Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing by Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging of Deuterium Incorporation in a Single Bacterium12:08

Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing by Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging of Deuterium Incorporation in a Single Bacterium

Published on: February 14, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...