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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
Community-onset invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections following hospital discharge
Jonathan Duffy1, Ghinwa Dumyati, Sandra Bulens
1Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. jduffy@cdc.gov
Background:
The majority of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the United States are community-onset and occur in persons with recent health care exposure.
Methods:
We performed a matched case-control study to identify risk factors for invasive MRSA infection among recently discharged patients. Cases had MRSA cultured from a normally sterile body site within 100 days following hospital discharge. Controls were matched on hospital, week of admission, and age.
Results:
Among 77 cases, the most common types of invasive MRSA infection were bloodstream infection and osteomyelitis. Independent risk factors were a history of a MRSA-positive clinical culture from a superficial body site in the 12 months preceding the invasive infection (matched odds ratio [mOR], 23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-142), hemodialysis (mOR, 21; 95% CI: 1.7-257), prior hospitalization length of stay >5 days (mOR, 4.5; 95% CI: 1.6-12), and male sex (mOR, 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1-7.9).
Conclusion:
Risk factors for postdischarge invasive MRSA infections can be identified prior to discharge and remain with the patient after the hospitalization ends. Measures to prevent community-onset invasive MRSA infections might start in the hospital but should also be evaluated in postdischarge settings.
Insights
Identifying risk factors for invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections after hospital discharge is crucial. Key predictors include prior MRSA history, hemodialysis, extended hospital stays, and male sex, informing preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Most invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the US are community-onset.
- These infections often occur in individuals with recent healthcare exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for invasive MRSA infection in patients recently discharged from the hospital.
Main Methods:
- A matched case-control study was conducted.
- Cases were patients with MRSA cultured from a sterile site within 100 days post-discharge.
- Controls were matched by hospital, admission week, and age.
Main Results:
- Among 77 cases, bloodstream infections and osteomyelitis were most common.
- Significant risk factors included prior superficial MRSA culture (mOR 23), hemodialysis (mOR 21), prior hospitalization >5 days (mOR 4.5), and male sex (mOR 2.9).
Conclusions:
- Post-discharge invasive MRSA infection risks can be identified before hospital release.
- Prevention strategies should encompass both inpatient and post-discharge settings.
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