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Reduction in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation: impact of a screening and decolonisation
Mark I Garvey1, Jodie Winfield2, Carolyn Wiley2
1University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract:
Patients in care homes are often at 'high risk' of being methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonised. Here we report the prevalence of MRSA, the effect of MRSA screening and decolonisation in Wolverhampton care-home residents. Eighty-two care homes (1665 residents) were screened for MRSA, three times at 6-monthly intervals (referred to as phases one, two and three). Screening and decolonisation of MRSA-colonised residents led to a reduction in the prevalence of MRSA from 8.7% in phase one, 6.3% in phase 2 and 4.7% in phase three. Overall, the study suggests that care-home facilities in Wolverhampton are a significant reservoir for MRSA; screening and decolonisation has reduced the risk to residents going for procedures and has indirectly impacted on MRSA rates in the acute Trust.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening and decolonisation in Wolverhampton care homes significantly reduced MRSA prevalence among residents. This intervention lowered MRSA rates, enhancing patient safety for those undergoing procedures.
Area of Science:
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Public Health
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Care home residents represent a high-risk population for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization.
- MRSA reservoirs in long-term care facilities can contribute to community and hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA in Wolverhampton care homes.
- To evaluate the impact of systematic MRSA screening and decolonisation interventions on prevalence.
- To assess the effect of these interventions on MRSA rates within the wider healthcare system.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional screening of 1665 residents across 82 care homes in Wolverhampton.
- Three screening phases conducted at 6-month intervals.
- Implementation of MRSA screening and decolonisation protocols for identified MRSA-colonised residents.
Main Results:
- Initial MRSA prevalence was 8.7% in phase one.
- Prevalence decreased to 6.3% in phase two and 4.7% in phase three following interventions.
- Care homes identified as significant reservoirs for MRSA.
Conclusions:
- Systematic MRSA screening and decolonisation effectively reduce MRSA prevalence in care home settings.
- Interventions decrease the risk of MRSA transmission to residents undergoing medical procedures.
- Care home-based MRSA control strategies can indirectly lower MRSA rates in acute healthcare trusts.
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