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Increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the United States
1Department of Medicine, Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02906.
Abstract:
In the period 1975 to 1981, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen in tertiary care centers in the United States. To determine if the prevalence of this organism has continued to increase, a questionnaire was sent to hospital epidemiologists in 360 acute care hospitals. A total of 256 (71%) of the 360 individuals responded. Overall, 97% (246/256) of responding hospitals reported having patients with MRSA in the period 1987 through 1989. Respondents in 217 hospitals provided estimates of the number of cases seen in 1987, 1988 and 1989. The percentage of respondents reporting one or more patients with MRSA increased from 88% in 1987 to 96.3% in 1989 (p = .0008). The percent of respondents reporting large numbers (greater than or equal to 50) of cases per year increased from 18% in 1987 to 32% in 1989 (p = .0006). Increasing frequency of large outbreaks was observed in community, community-teaching, federal, municipal and university hospitals.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence significantly increased in US hospitals from 1987 to 1989. More hospitals reported MRSA cases, with a rise in large outbreaks, indicating a growing public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen in US tertiary care centers between 1975 and 1981.
- The increasing prevalence of MRSA necessitates ongoing surveillance to understand its impact on healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the continued increase in the prevalence of MRSA in US acute care hospitals.
- To identify trends in MRSA case numbers and outbreak frequency.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to hospital epidemiologists in 360 acute care hospitals across the United States.
- Data on MRSA patient numbers and outbreak frequency were collected for the years 1987, 1988, and 1989.
- Statistical analysis was performed on the 256 (71%) returned questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 97% of responding hospitals reported MRSA patients between 1987 and 1989.
- The percentage of hospitals reporting at least one MRSA case rose from 88% in 1987 to 96.3% in 1989 (p = .0008).
- Hospitals reporting numerous cases (≥50 per year) increased from 18% to 32% (p = .0006), with a notable rise in large outbreaks across various hospital types.
Conclusions:
- MRSA prevalence continued to rise significantly in US hospitals from 1987 to 1989.
- An increasing frequency of large MRSA outbreaks was observed, highlighting the need for enhanced infection control strategies.
- The findings underscore the persistent and growing threat of MRSA in healthcare environments.