Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
Factors linked to Staphylococcus aureus healthcare-associated infections among pediatric intensive care unit
Perrine See1, Stéphane Bonacorsi2, Artemis Toumazi3
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are rare but severe in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Mechanical ventilation, surgery, and anemia increase the risk of these infections in colonized patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a primary cause of pediatric healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
- Understanding SA-HCAI prevalence and risk factors in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of SA-HCAI among colonized patients in a PICU.
- To identify factors associated with the development of SA-HCAI in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year retrospective cohort study was conducted in a French university children's hospital PICU.
- Data included patient history and hospitalization records for children with SA colonization on PICU admission.
- SA-HCAIs were identified using CDC criteria.
Main Results:
- Of 1381 colonized patients, 41 (3%) developed SA-HCAI, primarily ventilator-associated pneumonia (51%) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (27%).
- SA-HCAI patients experienced longer hospital stays and higher mortality.
- Mechanical ventilation, surgery during PICU stay, and anemia were significantly associated with SA-HCAI.
Conclusions:
- SA-related HCAIs are uncommon but carry significant severity in the PICU.
- Key risk factors for SA-HCAI include mechanical ventilation, surgical procedures, and the development of anemia.
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is one of the main pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of SA-HCAI among colonized patients and the factors associated with it in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Methods:
We designed a 6-year retrospective cohort study of a PICU in a French university children's hospital including all children admitted to the PICU from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2016, who had SA colonization on PICU admission. For each patient, the past medical history and the hospitalization data were collected. HCAIs related to SA were verified according to the criteria of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Results:
Among all patients colonized with SA (n = 1381, 26%), 105 (8%) had methicillin-resistant SA carriage and 41 (3%) developed an HCAI caused by SA. The main HCAIs were ventilator-associated pneumonia (51%) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (27%). Patients developing HCAI caused by SA had a significantly longer length of hospital stay and a higher mortality rate than the rest of the population. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, the presence of mechanical ventilation, the implementation of a surgical procedure during the PICU stay, and the onset of at least one episode of anemia during the PICU stay were significantly associated with the occurrence of HCAI due to SA.
Conclusion:
HCAIs linked to SA carriage are rare but severe. Mechanical ventilation, surgery during the PICU stay, and anemia are factors associated with SA-HCAI.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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.
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...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...