Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in the neonatal intensive care unit: A
Matthew Washam1, Jon Woltmann1, Beth Haberman1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Context:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a significant burden of illness in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide. Identifying infants colonized with MRSA has become an important infection control strategy to interrupt nosocomial transmission.
Objective:
Assess risk factors for MRSA colonization in NICUs via a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Data Sources:
MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception through September 2015.
Study Selection:
Studies reporting risk factors for MRSA colonization using noncolonized controls in subspecialty level III or IV NICUs were included.
Data Extraction:
Two authors independently extracted data on MRSA colonization risk factors, study design, and MRSA screening methodology.
Results:
Eleven articles were included in the systematic review, with 10 articles analyzed via meta-analysis. MRSA colonization was associated with gestational age <32 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-5.27; P = .01) and birth weight <1,500 g (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.25-5.55; P = .01). Infant sex (P = .21), race (P = .06), inborn status (P = .09), and delivery type (P = .24) were not significantly associated with colonization.
Conclusions:
Very preterm and very-low birth weight infants were identified as having an increased risk for MRSA colonization on meta-analysis. Multifaceted infection prevention strategies should target these high-risk infants to reduce MRSA colonization rates in NICUs.
Insights
Infants born very preterm or with very low birth weight face higher risks of MRSA colonization in NICUs. Targeted infection prevention strategies are crucial for these vulnerable neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infections
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Healthcare-associated infections
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant health threat in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) globally.
- Identifying MRSA colonization in infants is a key strategy for controlling hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze risk factors associated with MRSA colonization in NICU populations.
- To identify specific infant characteristics that increase susceptibility to MRSA acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library up to September 2015.
- Inclusion of studies with non-colonized controls in level III or IV NICUs reporting MRSA risk factors.
- Independent data extraction by two authors on risk factors, study design, and MRSA screening methods.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis of 10 studies revealed significant associations between MRSA colonization and gestational age <32 weeks (OR 2.67) and birth weight <1,500 g (OR 2.63).
- Infant sex, race, inborn status, and delivery type were not found to be significantly associated with MRSA colonization.
- Gestational age and birth weight are key predictors of MRSA colonization in neonates.
Conclusions:
- Very preterm infants and those with very low birth weight are at increased risk for MRSA colonization.
- Multifaceted infection prevention strategies should prioritize these high-risk neonates to mitigate MRSA colonization rates in NICUs.
Related Concept Videos
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.