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Increasing occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the United States
Abstract:
Although several outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have been reported in recent years, the geographic distribution and frequency of MRSA infections in American hospitals is unknown. We conducted a questionnaire survey to determine the magnitude of the problem. Data from 261 hospitals were included in the survey. MRSA were reported by 145 hospitals located in 36 states. Large hospitals reported these organisms significantly more often than small hospitals (p less than .001). University hospitals reported MRSA more often than community or community-teaching hospitals (p less than .001 and p less than .005, respectively). The number of hospitals reporting MRSA increased from 24 in 1975 to 112 in 1980 (p less than .001. Our data suggest that MRSA are widely distributed geographically and that the number of hospitals with these organisms has increased dramatically since 1975.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are widespread in American hospitals, affecting 145 facilities across 36 states. The frequency of MRSA has significantly increased since 1975, particularly in larger and university hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks are a growing concern.
- The geographic spread and prevalence of MRSA in US hospitals remain largely unquantified.
- Understanding MRSA distribution is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the geographic distribution and frequency of MRSA infections in American hospitals.
- To assess the trends in MRSA reporting over time.
- To identify hospital characteristics associated with higher MRSA prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was conducted among US hospitals.
- Data from 261 hospitals were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare MRSA reporting rates.
Main Results:
- MRSA was reported by 145 hospitals in 36 states.
- Large hospitals and university hospitals reported MRSA significantly more often than smaller or community hospitals.
- The number of hospitals reporting MRSA increased from 24 in 1975 to 112 in 1980.
Conclusions:
- MRSA infections are geographically widespread in the United States.
- There has been a dramatic increase in the number of hospitals reporting MRSA since 1975.
- Hospital size and type are associated with MRSA prevalence, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and control strategies.