An Outbreak of Infections Caused by Strains of Staphylococcus aureus Resistant to Methicillin and Aminoglycosides. I. Clinical Studies

Abstract

In a 22-month period, strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin and multiple aminoglycosides, (designated MARS) were recovered from 108 inpatients with nosocomial infections at a hospital in the midwestern United States. Sixty-six of these patients were staying in a burn unit, and 42 were on other hospital wards. Among the patients with burns, MARS were recovered from the burn wounds of 64%; 32% of the patients with burns had MARS bacteremia. The patients without burns were age-matched with patients with nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic-susceptible strains of S. aureus. Patients from whom MARS were isolated had a longer mean hospital stay (79.6 days vs. 36.9 days; P less than 0.01), developed infection later (26.5 days vs. 13.5 days after admission; P less than 0.01), and had received antibiotic therapy before infection more often (81% vs. 38% of patients; P less than 0.01) than patients in the comparative population. Types of infection and incidences of death and bacteremia were similar in the two groups. Antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus may cause serious infections and significant mortality.

Comparison of the activities of coumermycin, ciprofloxacin, teicoplanin, and other non-beta-lactam antibiotics against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from various geographical locations

“…The increased incidence of methicillin-resistant (Metr) Staphylococcus aureuis infections in the last 15 years has been well documented (7,11,18). Although the highest incidences have been confined to large teaching hospitals, small community hospitals have not completely escaped and actually may have higher incidences of Metr S. aureu.s infections than reported because of the lack of ongoing infection control programs (4,5).…”

Significant Reduction of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Geriatric Wards after Introduction of Infection Control Measures against Nosocomial Infections.

“…Several additional problems such as old age, presence of underlying diseases, decline of mental activity, presence of decubitus ulcers, difficulties with oral feeding, and a decline in overall systemic immunity also existed in patients with long-term bed-ridden conditions admitted to the geriatric wards of AMH (22). Previous studies have shownthat the risk factors for bacteremia included a longer mean hospital stay, treatment with antibiotics before infections, length of prior hospitalization, and invasive procedures (24,25). With regard to appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy of infections during the post-intervention periods, the total dose of antimicrobial agents used in our patients was reduced, together with reduced use of second and third cephems, while the use of penicillins was increased.…”

Toxicidad retiniana de doxicilina intravítrea: Estudio piloto

“…Tambien se ha documentado aumento en la incidencia de los Staphylococcus aureus (EA) meticilin-resistentes (18,19).…”