Significant reduction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in geriatric wards after introduction of infection control measures against nosocomial infections.

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 MRSA bacteremia.

METHODS

Cases 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: We investigated patients with nosocomial bacteremias in geriatric wards (190 beds) of AINO Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Nagasaki University.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in cases with MRSA-induced 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 MRSA bacteremia (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.