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

Abstract

Objectives (1) To investigate the efficacy of infection control measures against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)bacteremias in geriatric wards. (2) To identify predisposing risk factors for MRSAbacteremia. MethodsCases with nosocomial bacteremias were retrospectively analyzed between January 1991 and March 1995. The study period was divided into four annual periods and the period 1, January to December 1991, was applied as the control. Materials Weinvestigated patients with nosocomial bacteremias in geriatric wards (190 beds) of AINO Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Nagasaki University. Results A significant reduction in cases with MRSAinduced nosocomial bacteremia was observed after the introduction of a stringent infection control and prevention program (period 1 vs. periods 2, 3, and 4: p<0.00833, p<0.00167, and p<0.00167, respectively). The major source of bacteremia included urinary tract infections, intravenous catheter-related infections, and infected decubitus ulcers. Improvement of decubitus ulcer was associated with a significant reduction in MRSAbacteremia (period 1 vs. periods 2 and 3: p<0.00017 and p<0.00833).Conclusion Stringent infection control programs, including prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers, are necessary in geriatric wards to reduce and prevent MRSA bacteremia. (Internal Medicine 40: 214-220, 2001)

Molecular Characterization of the Transmission between the Colonization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Human and Environmental Contamination in Geriatric Long-term Care Wards

“…Our molecular analysis demonstrates that the DNA patterns of MRSA from the environment were identical or closely related to those from patients in a geriatric long-term ward, and the predominant type of MRSA isolated from the environment changed by the minute under conditions of intensified preventive measures including cleaning the floors. In our hospital, we have achieved a significant reduction of MRSA bacteremia in geriatric wards after the introduction of infection control measures against nosocomial infections (28), and these infection control measures have continued to the present time. During this study period, MRSA infections, including bacteremia, did not occur despite the isolation of MRSA strains from the environment.…”

A systematic review of the evidence for interventions for the prevention and control of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (1996–2004): report to the Joint MRSA Working Party (Subgroup A)

“…12 Of the additional studies identified by the present review, one was conducted in an ICU, one in a dedicated cohort unit and one in a geriatric ward. 7,13,14 All were observational studies using descriptive designs, describing multiple interventions in single units/wards and were therefore not generalizable.…”

Significant Reduction of Nosocomial Pneumonia after Introduction of Disinfection of Upper Airways Using Povidone-Iodine in Geriatric Wards

“…In particular, MRSA is of great concern in both hospitals and nursing homes [1,2,3]. Previous studies have shown that the phage groups of S. aureus in the hospital environment of a nursing home only infrequently matched the phage group that colonized the patients [1].…”