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Updated: May 7, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Cases of MRSA in nursing homes in Oslo 2005-11]
Background:
The number of infections caused by MRSA has increased substantially in Norway in the past decade. It is an objective to prevent MRSA from becoming established in nursing homes and hospitals. The purpose of the article is to describe the features of the development of MRSA cases found in nursing homes in Oslo.
Materials And Method:
We carried out a retrospective study of registered cases of MRSA (both sufferers and carriers) in Oslo in 2005-11. Data were obtained from the City of Oslo municipal health services' MRSA database and from genotyping carried out at Akershus University Hospital.
Results:
The annual number of cases of MRSA found in Oslo increased during the period 2005-11 from 92 in 2005 to 268 in 2011, a total of 1198 cases. Of these, 224 cases (19%) were registered in nursing homes, distributed among 22 institutions, 158 residents and 66 staff, with an average of 32 cases annually (14-58 spread). Twenty-eight of 50 nursing homes had no cases of MRSA, while 159 of the cases were related to outbreaks of MRSA. Three of 20 outbreaks affected residents only. The nursing home isolates consisted of 40 different spa types, of which 160 (71%) of the isolates were clustered in three clonal complexes. The most common spa type t304 was found in 116 (52%) of the cases.
Interpretation:
Cases of MRSA in Oslo in total increased sharply from 2005 to 2011, while the number of cases in nursing homes was stable. It is, however, uncertain whether this reflects the actual incidence.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases increased in Oslo, but remained stable in nursing homes between 2005-2011. Further study is needed to confirm actual MRSA incidence in these facilities.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Rising rates of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Norway necessitate targeted prevention strategies.
- Nursing homes and hospitals are critical environments for preventing MRSA establishment and spread.
Purpose:
- To describe the epidemiological features and trends of MRSA cases identified in Oslo's nursing homes from 2005 to 2011.
- To analyze the distribution, outbreaks, and genotypic characteristics of MRSA in the nursing home setting.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 1198 MRSA cases in Oslo (2005-2011), with 224 (19%) in nursing homes across 22 institutions.
- Nursing home cases involved 158 residents and 66 staff, averaging 32 cases annually. 159 cases were linked to outbreaks.
- Genotyping revealed 40 spa types, with 71% clustering into three clonal complexes. The dominant spa type was t304 (52%).
Impact:
- Despite an overall increase in Oslo's MRSA cases, the incidence within nursing homes remained stable during the study period.
- Findings highlight the importance of surveillance and infection control in long-term care facilities.
- The study underscores the need for ongoing monitoring to accurately assess MRSA prevalence and inform prevention efforts.
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