MRSA Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about MRSA, including details on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, hospitals, infection, antibiotic resistance, superbugs. | ||||||||
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Significant pathogens isolated from surgical site infections at a community hospital in the Midwest.Cantlon CA, Stemper ME, Schwan WR, Hoffman MA, Qutaishat SS Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Mayo Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601, USA. cantlon.carol@mayo.edu BACKGROUND: Studies examining the incidence of microorganisms isolated from surgical site infections (SSIs) have been conducted primarily at large academic health care centers. Results from these studies have revealed that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant pathogen in SSIs. Minimal data are available from smaller, community hospitals on the incidence of microorganisms associated with SSIs, particularly the incidence of MRSA in SSIs. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to identify the microorganisms associated with SSIs in patients who underwent class I and II surgeries at a small urban to rural community hospital from January 2003 through December 2004. RESULTS: A total of 10,672 surgeries was performed, and 89 SSIs were identified. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (25.8%). Enterobacteriaceae were the second most frequently isolated organisms (12.4%), followed by streptococci species (11.2%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (10.1%), enterococci species (7.9%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.7%). MRSA was isolated from 4.5% of the SSIs. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that the spectrum of microorganisms isolated in SSIs at a community hospital is comparable with that reported in studies conducted at large academic health care centers, including the emergence of MRSA as a pathogen in SSIs. This information will guide future infection control initiatives to reduce SSIs. Published 3 October 2006 in Am J Infect Control, 34(8): 526-9.
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