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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Epidemiology of Surgical Site Infection in a Community Hospital Network
Arthur W Baker1, Kristen V Dicks1, Michael J Durkin1
11Department of Medicine,Division of Infectious Diseases,Duke University Medical Center,Durham,North Carolina.
Objective:
To describe the epidemiology of complex surgical site infection (SSI) following commonly performed surgical procedures in community hospitals and to characterize trends of SSI prevalence rates over time for MRSA and other common pathogens
Methods:
We prospectively collected SSI data at 29 community hospitals in the southeastern United States from 2008 through 2012. We determined the overall prevalence rates of SSI for commonly performed procedures during this 5-year study period. For each year of the study, we then calculated prevalence rates of SSI stratified by causative organism. We created log-binomial regression models to analyze trends of SSI prevalence over time for all pathogens combined and specifically for MRSA.
Results:
A total of 3,988 complex SSIs occurred following 532,694 procedures (prevalence rate, 0.7 infections per 100 procedures). SSIs occurred most frequently after small bowel surgery, peripheral vascular bypass surgery, and colon surgery. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The prevalence rate of SSI decreased from 0.76 infections per 100 procedures in 2008 to 0.69 infections per 100 procedures in 2012 (prevalence rate ratio [PRR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.00). A more substantial decrease in MRSA SSI (PRR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54-0.89) was largely responsible for this overall trend.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of MRSA SSI decreased from 2008 to 2012 in our network of community hospitals. This decrease in MRSA SSI prevalence led to an overall decrease in SSI prevalence over the study period.
Insights
Surgical site infections (SSIs) decreased in community hospitals, primarily due to a significant reduction in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. This trend highlights improved infection control for common surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Complex surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant challenge in community hospital settings.
- Understanding the epidemiology and trends of SSIs is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of complex SSIs following common surgical procedures in community hospitals.
- To characterize trends in SSI prevalence rates over time for MRSA and other common pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of SSI data across 29 community hospitals in the southeastern US (2008-2012).
- Calculation of SSI prevalence rates stratified by causative organism annually.
- Log-binomial regression models used to analyze trends in SSI prevalence over time for all pathogens and specifically for MRSA.
Main Results:
- A total of 3,988 complex SSIs occurred (0.7 per 100 procedures), most frequently after small bowel, peripheral vascular bypass, and colon surgeries.
- Overall SSI prevalence decreased from 0.76 to 0.69 per 100 procedures between 2008 and 2012.
- A substantial decrease in MRSA-related SSIs was the primary driver of the overall SSI reduction.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of MRSA SSIs significantly decreased in community hospitals from 2008 to 2012.
- This reduction in MRSA SSIs contributed to an overall decline in SSI prevalence during the study period.
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