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Updated: May 6, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Prevalence of MRSA colonization in Japanese neonatal care unit patients in 2011
Ichiro Morioka1, Naoto Takahashi, Hiroyuki Kitajima
1Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
Background:
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a high-risk setting for transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The recent prevalence of colonization with MRSA in patients and its control measures are unknown in Japanese NICU. We investigated the prevalence of MRSA colonization in patients and measures to control and prevent health-care-associated transmission in Japanese NICU in 2011.
Methods:
A nationwide survey was performed in facilities certified as training hospitals for neonatologists. Data in NICU and growing care units (GCU) were collected and analyzed regarding surveillance cultures for MRSA and the proportion of MRSA-colonized patients in September 2011. Trends in the proportion of MRSA-colonized patients and the measures to control and prevent health-care-associated MRSA transmission were investigated in the surveyed NICU in 2000, 2003, and 2011.
Results:
A total of 168 NICU and 158 GCU were analyzed. The proportions of NICU and GCU that conducted regular surveillance cultures for MRSA were 81% and 66%, respectively. MRSA colonization was not found in 53% of NICU and in 45% of GCU. The percentage of NICU reported to be free of MRSA colonization increased over time. Use of alcohol-based hand rub and gloves by clinical staff and cohorting for identified MRSA-positive patients became more common in 2011 than in 2000 or 2003.
Conclusions:
Approximately half of Japanese NICU did not observe any patients with MRSA colonization in September 2011. Control and prevention measures have changed to use of alcohol-based hand rub and gloves in the last decade.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization was absent in about half of Japanese neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 2011. Improved infection control measures, including hand hygiene and cohorting, were increasingly adopted.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are high-risk environments for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission.
- Recent data on MRSA colonization prevalence and control strategies in Japanese NICUs were lacking.
- This study aimed to assess MRSA colonization rates and infection control practices in Japanese NICUs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in Japanese NICUs and growing care units (GCUs) in 2011.
- To investigate trends in MRSA colonization and the adoption of control measures from 2000 to 2011.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention strategies in Japanese NICUs.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey was conducted in facilities training neonatologists.
- Data on MRSA surveillance cultures and patient colonization rates were collected from NICUs and GCUs in September 2011.
- Trends were analyzed by comparing 2011 data with previous surveys from 2000 and 2003.
Main Results:
- Of 168 NICUs and 158 GCUs surveyed, 53% of NICUs and 45% of GCUs reported no MRSA colonization.
- The proportion of NICUs reporting zero MRSA colonization increased over the study period.
- Use of alcohol-based hand rub, gloves, and patient cohorting for MRSA-positive cases became more prevalent by 2011.
Conclusions:
- Approximately half of Japanese NICUs were MRSA-free in September 2011, indicating successful control in many units.
- Enhanced infection control practices, particularly hand hygiene and isolation, have been increasingly implemented over the past decade.
- Continued surveillance and adherence to infection control protocols are crucial for managing MRSA in neonatal settings.
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