Multiple site surveillance cultures as a predictor of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections

Heng Sim, Benedict Lim, McBryde, Emma, Street, Alan C., and Marshall, Caroline (2013) Multiple site surveillance cultures as a predictor of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 34 (8). pp. 818-824.

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DOI: 10.1086/671273

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/671273

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization density, colonization site, and probability of infection in a frequently screened cohort of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods: Patients had swab samples tested for MRSA at admission to the ICU, discharge from the ICU, and twice weekly during their ICU stay, and they were followed up for development of MRSA infection. Swab test results were analyzed to determine the proportion of patients colonized and the proportion colonized at each screening site. Hazard of MRSA infection (rate of infection per day at risk) was calculated using a Cox proportional hazards analysis, and risk factors for MRSA infection, including presence of MRSA, degree of colonization, and pattern of colonization were determined.

Results: Among the 4,194 patient episodes, 238 (5.7%) had screening results that were positive for MRSA, and there were 34 cases of MRSA infection. The hazard ratio (HR) for developing an infection increased as more sites were colonized (HR, 3.4 for being colonized at more than 1 site compared with colonization at 1 site [95% confidence interval, 1.2–9.9]). Colonization site was predictive of developing infection (HR for nose or throat colonization compared with no colonization, 168 [95% confidence interval, 69–407]).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the hazard of developing an infection was higher when more sites were colonized and that certain sites were more predictive of infection than others. These results may be useful for predicting infection in ICU patients and may influence treatment.


Item ID:	39752
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1559-6834
Funders:	National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC), Victorian Department of Human Services, Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation
Projects and Grants:	NHMRC Project Grant 454495
Date Deposited:	08 Oct 2015 02:32
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110309 Infectious Diseases @ 40% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111706 Epidemiology @ 40% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1605 Policy and Administration > 160508 Health Policy @ 20%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920109 Infectious Diseases @ 50% 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920207 Health Policy Evaluation @ 50%
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