In contrast to the perception that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections associated with use of a catheter are an increasing problem in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, the incidence of this type of infection decreased by nearly 50 percent from 1997-2007, according to a study in the February 18 issue of JAMA.
Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is a cause of staph infections, is a common cause of potentially serious and costly health care-associated infections, appearing frequently in hospitals as central line-associated bloodstream infections. The emergence of MRSA in healthcare settings has drawn the attention of clinicians, public health agencies, and the public, and has prompted calls for mandatory screening or reporting in efforts to reduce infections.
The study’s authors analyzed national health care-associated infection surveillance data reported by hospitals to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for seven types of adult and pediatric ICUs. They found that the overall incidence rate of MRSA central line-associated bloodstream infections declined 49.6 percent from 1997 through 2007. The authors suggest that these decreases in incidence may be attributable to efforts by healthcare facilities to improve adherence to CDC’s evidence-based prevention guidelines, the implementation of strategies designed to improve central line insertion and care practices, and increasing success in preventing MRSA transmission between patients by health care facilities.
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