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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

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Investigation and control of a meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak in a Level 2 neonatal unit

K Thorley1,2, J Foster3, S Urquhart3

  • 1Health Protection in Regions Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.

Infection Prevention in Practice
|April 23, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neonatal unit outbreaks of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were investigated. Lower gestational age, birth weight, and clinical exposures were key risk factors for infant colonization during the MRSA outbreak.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neonatal unit outbreaks of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) present significant control challenges.
  • Understanding transmission risk factors is crucial for effective outbreak management.
  • Routine screening detected an MRSA colonization outbreak in a neonatal unit.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate an MRSA outbreak in a neonatal unit.
  • To identify risk factors associated with MRSA colonization in neonates through a cohort study.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted on neonatal unit inpatients from May to September 2023.
  • Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) linked cases to the outbreak cluster.
  • Concurrent maternal screening, staff, and environmental sampling were performed.

Main Results:

  • 16.7% (14/84) of inpatients were colonized with MRSA during the outbreak.
  • MRSA colonization was associated with lower gestational age, lower birth weight, and clinical exposures (e.g., respiratory support, invasive lines).
  • Staff screening identified two positive cases of the outbreak strain; maternal and environmental screening were negative.

Conclusions:

  • The MRSA outbreak in the neonatal unit was successfully controlled.
  • The second outbreak wave informed the implementation of enhanced control measures, including staff screening.
  • Identifying risk factors aids in preventing and managing neonatal MRSA colonization.
Keywords:
Healthcare-associated infectionsMRSANeonatesOutbreak

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