Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization and Mortality Risk Among Community Adults Aged 40-85

The objective of this study was to assess the 11-year mortality risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in community-dwelling adults aged 40 to 85 years.

The study analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2004 linked to the National Death Index through December 31, 2015. Our cohort of community adults aged 40 to 85 years was 6085 participants (representing 118 718 486 adults). Mortality risk from MRSA colonization was examined with an 11-year follow-up.

The 11-year mortality rates were 35.9% (95% CI, 25.4%- 46.4%) for MRSA-colonized and 17.8% (95% CI, 16.4%- 19.2%) for non-colonized participants. After adjusting for potential confounders the hazard ratio for mortality among those colonized with MRSA was 1.75 (95% CI, 1.12-2.73).

MRSA colonization in middle-aged and older adults in the community is associated with a significantly increased mortality risk. Considering that this effect was in the community and not in hospitalized patients, this finding of increased mortality risk is especially troubling.