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Australian hospitals achieve significant reduction in hospital-associated S. Aureus
Since 2002, Australian hospitals have seen a “major and significant” decrease in the prevalence of hospital-onset Staphylococcus aureus attributable to both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains, according to recent findings.
In a longitudinal, observational study, researchers documented cases of hospital-onset S. Aureus bacteremia in Australian hospitals within the past 12 years based on previously established definitions. The researchers collected and pooled surveillance data from 132 hospitals in four Australian states and territories, which represented 24% of all Australian hospitals.
The researchers identified 2,773 S. Aureus cases during the study interval, equal to an aggregate incidence of 0.90/10,000 patient days (95% CI, 0.86-0.93). Between 2002 and 2013, there was a 63% reduction in the annual incidence, from 1.72 per 10,000 patient days in 2002 (95% CI, 1.50-1.97) to 0.64 per 10,000 patient days in 2013 (95% CI, 0.53-0.76). This corresponds with a mean reduction of 9.4% per year (95% CI, -8.1% to -10.7%). There was a significant decrease (76%) in the incidence of both MRSA (0.77 to 0.18 per 10,000 patient days from 2002 to 2013) and methicillin-susceptible S. Aureus (MSSA) (1.71 to 0.64 per 10,000 patient days from 2002 to 2013).
According to the researchers, such reductions are impressive, and underscore the value of targeting health care-associated infections from various angles.
“We commend those responsible for infection prevention and control initiatives at a local, jurisdictional and national level,” the researchers wrote. “The Australian experience showing reductions in both MSSA and MRSA… highlights the need to tackle health care-associated infections in a multifaceted manner, with a strong national focus, supported by local interventions.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant disclosures.