Prior Room Occupancy Increases Risk of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Acquisition

Publication Date

2014-12-01

Publisher

Original

Rights

Used by permission: CSIRO

This article may be accessed from the publisher here

Peer Review Status

Published Version

Review Status

Yes

Field of Education

Field of Research

Degree

Department

Faculty

Supervisor

Awarding Institution

Degree

Department

Faculty

Supervisor

Awarding Institution

Abstract

Background: In Australia, little is known about the risk of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) from prior room occupants. The aims of the study are to understand the risk ofMRSAacquisition from prior room occupants and to further extend the existing knowledge-base on the role of discharge cleaning in hospitals.

Methods: A non-concurrent cohort study was undertaken in five wards at a 250-bed general hospital in Tasmania, Australia. All admitted patients were screened for MRSA. Weekly screenings for all patients who remained in hospital were undertaken. New MRSA acquisitions were identified. The exposed group were patients whose immediate prior room occupant had MRSA, while the unexposed prior room occupant did not have MRSA.

Results: 6228 patients were at risk of acquiringMRSA,with 237 newMRSAacquisitions equating to an acquisition rate of 3.8% for each at-risk patient admission. The unadjusted odds ratio for acquiring MRSA when the prior room occupant had MRSA was 2.9 (95% CI 2.2–3.9). Using logistic regression, exposure to a prior occupant harbouring MRSA remained a significant predictor of subsequent acquisition, after controlling for variables, OR 2.7 (95% CI 2.0–3.6).

Conclusion: Admission to a room previously occupied by a person with MRSA increased the odds of acquisition for the subsequent patient, independent of other risk factors. It demonstrates the necessity of having effective discharge cleaning practices in place. We believe increased attention to discharge room cleaning in hospitals is required and the reconsideration of additional recommendations for discharge cleaning.

Description

Research Statement

Keywords

infection control, cleaning, hospital, healthcare associated infection

Citation

Mitchell, B. G., Digney, W., & Ferguson, J. K. (2014). Prior room occupancy increases risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition. Healthcare Infection, 19(4), 135-140. doi:10.1071/HI14023

International Standard Serial Number

1835-5617

International Standard Book Number

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