A maternity hospital outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
A maternity hospital outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a strain other than EMRSA-1 is described. In contrast to previously documented outbreaks, which have usually centered on special care baby units, this outbreak mainly involved the routine ante-natal and postnatal wards. Thirty-seven mothers, 18 babies and nine staff were affected over a 6-week period. The high turnover of very mobile maternity patients and the open-plan design of the hospital influenced the course of the outbreak and adversely affected implementation of infection control measures. Significant environmental contamination and a very high rate of maternal perineal MRSA colonization were notable epidemiological features.
University Department of Microbiology, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
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Moore
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Williams
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006744:Hospital Bed Capacity, 100 to 299; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects