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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Global initiative for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (GLIMP): an international, observational
Stefano Aliberti1, Luis F Reyes2, Paola Faverio3
1Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Cardio-thoracic unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Antibiotic resistance is a major global health problem and pathogens such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become of particular concern in the management of lower respiratory tract infections. However, few data are available on the worldwide prevalence and risk factors for MRSA pneumonia. We aimed to determine the point prevalence of MRSA pneumonia and identify specific MRSA risk factors in community-dwelling patients hospitalised with pneumonia.
Methods:
We did an international, multicentre study of community-dwelling, adult patients admitted to hospital with pneumonia who had microbiological tests taken within 24 h of presentation. We recruited investigators from 222 hospitals in 54 countries to gather point-prevalence data for all patients admitted with these characteristics during 4 days randomly selected during the months of March, April, May, and June in 2015. We assessed prevalence of MRSA pneumonia and associated risk factors through logistic regression analysis.
Findings:
3702 patients hospitalised with pneumonia were enrolled, with 3193 patients receiving microbiological tests within 24 h of admission, forming the patient population. 1173 (37%) had at least one pathogen isolated (culture-positive population). The overall prevalence of confirmed MRSA pneumonia was 3·0% (n=95), with differing prevalence between continents and countries. Three risk factors were independently associated with MRSA pneumonia: previous MRSA infection or colonisation (odds ratio 6·21, 95% CI 3·25-11·85), recurrent skin infections (2·87, 1·10-7·45), and severe pneumonia disease (2·39, 1·55-3·68).
Interpretation:
This multicountry study shows low prevalence of MRSA pneumonia and specific MRSA risk factors among community-dwelling patients hospitalised with pneumonia.
Funding:
None.
Insights
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is a global concern. This study found low prevalence of MRSA pneumonia in hospitalized patients, with key risk factors including prior MRSA infection and severe disease.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance, particularly from meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a significant global health challenge.
- MRSA is a growing concern in treating lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia.
- Limited data exist on the global prevalence and risk factors for MRSA pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the point prevalence of MRSA pneumonia in community-dwelling patients hospitalized with pneumonia.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with MRSA pneumonia in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- An international, multicentre study involving 222 hospitals across 54 countries.
- Data collected from adult, community-dwelling patients admitted with pneumonia and tested within 24 hours.
- Point-prevalence data gathered over four randomly selected days in March, April, May, and June 2015.
- Logistic regression analysis used to assess prevalence and associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- 3702 patients were enrolled; 3193 formed the final population for analysis.
- Overall prevalence of confirmed MRSA pneumonia was 3.0% (95 cases), varying by continent and country.
- Independent risk factors for MRSA pneumonia included previous MRSA infection/colonization (OR 6.21), recurrent skin infections (OR 2.87), and severe pneumonia (OR 2.39).
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a low prevalence of MRSA pneumonia among hospitalized community-dwelling patients.
- Identified specific risk factors can aid in early detection and management of MRSA pneumonia.
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