Prevalence and outcome of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in two nursing centers in Georgia.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and validity of aggressive diagnosing and eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization.

DESIGN

An observational study of MRSA colonization.

SETTING

Two skilled nursing facilities in Georgia.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-seven residents of the above-mentioned skilled nursing facilities

INTERVENTION

No changes were made in either nursing facility practices or patient treatments.

MEASUREMENTS

The presence or absence of MRSA colonization was determined at the beginning of the study, after hospitalizations or absences from the facility, and 12 months after initial testing.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven participants began the study, and 56 completed it. At the beginning of the study, 17.9% of the 56 who later completed the study were positive for MRSA. By the end of the study, colonization had decreased to 14.3%. The difference in the number of positive cultures for residents returning from the hospital compared with those returning from non-hospital settings was not statistically significant (P = .546). No deaths or hospitalizations were attributable to MRSA infection.

CONCLUSION

Because no significant correlation was found between MRSA colonization and active MRSA-related infections, patients colonized by MRSA should not be barred from admission to nursing homes.