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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an increasing threat in New Zealand hospitals
D R Martin1, H M Heffernan, H G Davies
1National Health Institute, Porirua.
Abstract:
During the three years 1985 to 1987 an increasing number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains were identified in New Zealand each year. A total of 66 strains of MRSA were identified among isolates received from 418 patients and health personnel. The majority (337/418, 80.6%) of the isolates were from two independent large outbreaks of MRSA. All strains of MRSA were sensitive to vancomycin, rifampicin and fusidic acid. An overseas origin, usually Australia, was identified for 48.4% of strains. The majority of isolates were from patients whose host defences had been breached. Postoperative and cutaneous wounds were the commonest sites of acquisition.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections increased in New Zealand from 1985-1987, primarily from two large outbreaks. All identified MRSA strains remained sensitive to vancomycin, rifampicin, and fusidic acid.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat.
- Surveillance of MRSA epidemiology is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of MRSA in New Zealand between 1985 and 1987.
- To identify sources and common sites of MRSA acquisition during this period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MRSA isolates received from patients and health personnel.
- Data collection on patient demographics, isolate sources, and antimicrobial susceptibility.
- Tracing of overseas origins for identified MRSA strains.
Main Results:
- An increasing trend of MRSA identification was observed annually from 1985 to 1987.
- A total of 66 MRSA strains were identified from 418 patients and health personnel.
- 80.6% of isolates originated from two major MRSA outbreaks.
- 48.4% of strains had an identified overseas origin, predominantly Australia.
- All MRSA strains were susceptible to vancomycin, rifampicin, and fusidic acid.
- The majority of isolates were from patients with compromised host defenses.
- Postoperative and cutaneous wounds were the most frequent sites of acquisition.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights an emerging MRSA problem in New Zealand during the late 1980s.
- MRSA acquisition was linked to compromised host defenses and specific wound types.
- The susceptibility of MRSA strains to key antibiotics is an important finding for treatment considerations.