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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a descriptive analysis on veterans
L E Hall1, E G Klein, L N Slater
1Nursing, Medical Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Abstract:
Concern over complications of a potentially large outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prompted intensive monitoring and establishment of effective communication lines between infection control practitioners, nurses, physicians, and microbiology personnel. From October, 1986, through September, 1987, 77 patients at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City had MRSA. Charts were available for review on 63 of these patients. When those with charts available were reviewed, 41 patients had nosocomial (NC) and 22 had community-acquired (CA) MRSA. Of the 41 NC patients, 34 were infected (of which 17 died during hospitalization) and 7 colonized (3 died). Of the 22 CA patients, 15 were infected (4 died) and 7 colonized (2 died). Length of stay was NC-infected, mean 51.8 days; NC-colonized, 38.9 days; CA-infected, 14.9 days; and CA-colonized, 16.1 days. This study shows the importance of NC MRSA, especially as it relates to hospital costs and care of many extended stay patients.
Insights
Nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections significantly impact hospital stays and costs. Effective communication is crucial for managing MRSA outbreaks and improving patient care outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Intensive monitoring and interdisciplinary communication are vital for managing potential MRSA outbreaks.
- Previous studies have highlighted MRSA's impact, but specific data on nosocomial vs. community-acquired strains in relation to patient outcomes and costs were needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of nosocomial (NC) versus community-acquired (CA) MRSA infections.
- To evaluate the impact of MRSA on patient length of stay and mortality.
- To underscore the importance of NC MRSA in hospital cost and patient management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 63 patients with MRSA from October 1986 to September 1987.
- Categorization of MRSA cases into nosocomial (NC) and community-acquired (CA) groups.
- Analysis of infection status (infected vs. colonized), mortality, and length of hospital stay for each group.
Main Results:
- Out of 63 reviewed cases, 41 were NC-MRSA and 22 were CA-MRSA.
- NC-MRSA patients had higher mortality rates (17 deaths among 34 infected) compared to CA-MRSA (4 deaths among 15 infected).
- NC-MRSA patients experienced significantly longer hospital stays (mean 51.8 days for infected) than CA-MRSA patients (mean 14.9 days for infected).
Conclusions:
- Nosocomial MRSA infections are a major concern, contributing significantly to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs.
- Effective infection control and communication strategies are essential for mitigating the impact of NC MRSA.
- This study emphasizes the critical need to address NC MRSA for improved patient outcomes and resource management in hospitals.
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