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Updated: May 8, 2026
Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Outcomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection after kidney and/or pancreas transplantation
M Oliveira-Cunha1, V Bowman, G di Benedetto
1Renal and Pancreas Transplant Unit, Central Manchester University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom. melissacunha@doctors.org.uk
Background:
The true extent of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and incidence of infection after solid organ transplantation in adults and children is not well-known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the outcomes of MRSA infection following kidney and/or pancreas transplantation.
Material And Methods:
We reviewed the case notes of all patients who developed MRSA colonization and infection within the first year of transplantation between September 2002 and December 2009. The primary endpoint of this study was mortality. The secondary endpoints included morbidity, graft failure, and length of hospital stay.
Results:
During the study period 1116 transplantations were performed. MRSA colonization was detected in 14 patients (1.25%) and infection occurred in 6 cases (0.53%) post-transplantation. Graft failure was not associated with MRSA colonization/infection in any of the cases. The mortality rate attributed to MRSA was 10% (n = 2). The overall median length of stay was 16 days (range, 6-243 days).
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates that the prevalence of MRSA colonization and infection in our unit is low in spite of immunosuppression. The incidence of MRSA infection was higher among patients who underwent pancreas transplantation. Patients who had MRSA colonization and then developed infection had higher morbidity and mortality rates.
Insights
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection rates are low after solid organ transplants. Pancreas transplant recipients had higher MRSA infection incidence, with colonization preceding infection linked to worse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- The prevalence and outcomes of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection post-solid organ transplantation remain unclear.
- Understanding MRSA's impact is crucial for managing immunosuppressed transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and outcomes of MRSA infection following kidney and/or pancreas transplantation.
- To evaluate the association between MRSA colonization/infection and patient/graft survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient case notes for MRSA colonization and infection within one year post-transplantation (September 2002 - December 2009).
- Primary endpoint: mortality. Secondary endpoints: morbidity, graft failure, and length of hospital stay.
Main Results:
- Out of 1116 transplantations, MRSA colonization occurred in 1.25% (14 patients) and infection in 0.53% (6 patients).
- MRSA colonization/infection was not associated with graft failure.
- MRSA-attributed mortality was 10% (2 patients); median hospital stay was 16 days.
Conclusions:
- MRSA colonization and infection rates are low in this transplant unit despite immunosuppression.
- Pancreas transplant recipients showed a higher incidence of MRSA infection.
- Patients with prior MRSA colonization who developed infection experienced increased morbidity and mortality.
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