[Control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Spanish hospitals. A survey from the MRSA 2003 GEIH/GEMARA/REIPI project].
BACKGROUND
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main nosocomial pathogens. The incidence of MRSA infections is increasing in Spain. The objective of this study was to investigate the measures used for surveillance and control of MRSA in a sample of Spanish hospitals.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey was done, including data on the incidence of MRSA infection/colonization for 2002, the microbiological methods used to study S. aureus susceptibility, and the use of control measures based on published guidelines.


RESULTS
Sixty-one hospitals with a catchment population of 16 million inhabitants participated. Automatic methods were most frequently used for routine susceptibility testing. The median incidence was 0.45 cases/100 admissions; this data could be obtained from only 70% of the centers. In 59%, the incidence was indicative of high transmission. Isolation precautions were indicated for all patients with MRSA in 95% of the hospitals; screening of carriers among patients was performed in 18% to 72%, depending on the circumstances. Health care workers from at least one unit had been screened in 52% of the hospitals during 2002. Mupirocin was used for the treatment of 90% of colonized persons.


CONCLUSIONS
There is considerable variation in the application of control measures in the hospitals surveyed. National guidelines with recommendations for MRSA control are needed in Spain.
Rodríguez-Baño
Jesús
J
Sección de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain. jrb@nacom.es
Millán
Antonio B
AB
Domínguez
María Angeles
MA
Almirante
Benito
B
Cercenado
Emilia
E
Padilla
Belén
B
Pujol
Miquel
M
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017053:Infection Control; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*