Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Risk Factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Colonization Among Patients Admitted to
Bing Wang1, Kathryn N Suh2, Katherine A Muldoon3
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
Objective:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among obstetrical patients can increase birth complications for both mothers and infants, but little is known about the risk factors for MRSA in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA among obstetrical patients and identify risk factors associated with MRSA colonization.
Methods:
This nested case-control study used obstetrical patients with MRSA colonization identified through a universal screening program at The Ottawa Hospital (February 2008-January 2010). Cases and three matched controls were compared using chi-square tests for categorical variables, median and interquartile range (IQR), and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables. Conditional logistic regression using ORs and 95% CIs was used to identify risk factors. Standard microbiologic techniques and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the MRSA isolates from case patients were performed.
Results:
Out of 11 478 obstetrical patients, 39 (0.34%) were MRSA colonized; 117 patients were selected as matched controls. The median age was 30 (IQR 27.5-35.00) and median length of stay was 2.55 days (IQR 1.95-3.24). Only MRSA cases had a previous MRSA infection (4 vs. 0). MRSA cases had significantly higher parity (median 3; IQR 2-5) compared with controls (median 2; IQR 1-3) (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.22-1.90) CONCLUSION: This study identified a low prevalence of MRSA among obstetrical patients. Risk factors associated with MRSA colonization were previous MRSA infection and multiparity. Obstetrical patients who previously tested positive for MRSA should be placed on contact precautions at the time of hospital admission because this is a risk factor for future colonization.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is uncommon in obstetrical patients, affecting 0.34%. Previous MRSA infection and multiparity are key risk factors for colonization.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses risks for maternal and infant health during childbirth.
- Limited data exists on MRSA risk factors in obstetrical patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in obstetrical patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRSA colonization in this population.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study involving universal MRSA screening of obstetrical patients.
- Statistical analysis including chi-square tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and conditional logistic regression.
- Microbiologic techniques and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for isolate characterization.
Main Results:
- A low prevalence of MRSA colonization (0.34%) was observed among 11,478 obstetrical patients.
- Previous MRSA infection was identified as a significant risk factor.
- Multiparity (higher number of previous births) was also significantly associated with MRSA colonization.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of MRSA in obstetrical patients is low.
- Previous MRSA infection and multiparity are identified risk factors for colonization.
- Implementing contact precautions for patients with a history of MRSA is recommended upon hospital admission.
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.