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Survey for methicillin-resistant staphylococci
Abstract:
The incidence of isolation of Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to methicillin is increasing in England and other European countries, whereas there have been only isolated reports of resistance in the United States. We thought this contrast might be related to the use of special sensitive screening techniques (i.e., incubation at 30 C, prolonged incubation, use of 5% sodium chloride-agar medium, and use of a large inoculum) in these other countries. A survey was undertaken in a hospital in Philadelphia to detect methicillin-resistant S. aureus. In spite of using large inocula, 5% sodium chloride-agar medium, and prolonged incubation at 30 C, no strains of S. aureus resistant to methicillin were found.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is rising in Europe but not the US. A Philadelphia hospital survey using enhanced screening methods found no MRSA, suggesting US prevalence may be lower than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Science
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing public health concern globally.
- Increasing MRSA incidence is reported in Europe, contrasting with fewer reports in the United States.
- Differences in diagnostic screening techniques may influence reported prevalence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a US hospital.
- To determine if enhanced screening methods, used in Europe, would detect MRSA in the United States.
Main Methods:
- A hospital in Philadelphia conducted a survey to detect MRSA.
- Enhanced screening techniques were employed, including incubation at 30°C, prolonged incubation periods, use of 5% NaCl-agar medium, and large inocula.
Main Results:
- Despite utilizing sensitive screening methods, no methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated.
- The survey did not detect any MRSA in the studied hospital population.
Conclusions:
- The absence of MRSA detection in this Philadelphia hospital survey, using enhanced methods, suggests potentially lower prevalence in the US compared to Europe.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiological differences in MRSA between the US and Europe.