Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the intensive care unit: its effect on outcome and risk factors for
J McMaster1, M G Booth1, A Smith1
1Intensive Care Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Background:
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common cause of nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit (ICU). A perception exists that ICU-acquired MRSA is associated with poor outcomes, although there are few data to support this.
Aim:
To determine the effect of acquiring MRSA in the ICU on 180-day mortality, and to identify risk factors associated with acquisition.
Methods:
Data were collected prospectively from 2007 to 2013. Patients who remained MRSA negative throughout their ICU admission were matched with patients who acquired MRSA in terms of age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, length of ICU stay and surgical/non-surgical status.
Findings:
In total, 2405 patients were included in the analysis. Patients who acquired MRSA in the ICU had significantly longer ICU stays than patients who were admitted with MRSA and patients who remained MRSA negative throughout their ICU stay (P < 0.001 for both). There were no significant differences in 180-day mortality between the groups (P = 0.238). A confirmed non-MRSA infection within 48 h of ICU admission was associated with increased risk of MRSA acquisition (adjusted odds ratio 2.57, P = 0.005), and receipt of antimicrobial therapy within 48 h of ICU admission was associated with reduced risk of MRSA acquisition (adjusted odds ratio 0.38, P = 0.014).
Conclusion:
MRSA acquisition does not contribute towards mortality in critically ill patients. This raises questions regarding the cost-effectiveness of focusing infection prevention measures on the control of MRSA in ICUs. The low acquisition rate and lack of risk factors identified for MRSA in the study cohort indicate that efforts should be directed towards continual improvement of standard infection control procedures for all patients.
Insights
Acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the intensive care unit (ICU) does not increase patient mortality. Focus should remain on general infection control rather than solely MRSA in ICUs.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a frequent cause of hospital-acquired infections in intensive care units (ICUs).
- A common perception links ICU-acquired MRSA to adverse patient outcomes, yet supporting data are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ICU-acquired MRSA on 180-day mortality.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRSA acquisition in the ICU.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from 2007 to 2013.
- Matching of MRSA-negative patients with those who acquired MRSA in the ICU based on age, severity scores, ICU stay duration, and patient status (surgical/non-surgical).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in 180-day mortality was observed between patients who acquired MRSA in the ICU and those who did not (P = 0.238).
- Patients acquiring MRSA had significantly longer ICU stays (P < 0.001).
- Non-MRSA infection within 48 hours of ICU admission increased MRSA acquisition risk (aOR 2.57), while antimicrobial therapy reduced it (aOR 0.38).
Conclusions:
- MRSA acquisition in critically ill patients does not independently contribute to mortality.
- The cost-effectiveness of intensive MRSA control measures in ICUs warrants re-evaluation.
- Continued emphasis on universal, high-standard infection control procedures is recommended for all ICU patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.