Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) predominantly affects those over 65 years old. There may be a substantial pool of older people with MRSA in the community. We studied the prevalence in one London general practice, screening 258 older people living in their own home. MRSA (E-MRSA 15) was found in two participants (0.78%). Past history of MRSA was the only significant risk factor. The results of this and other studies suggest that national guidelines recommending early discharge for MRSA carriers have not resulted in widespread community acquisition amongst elderly people living in their own home. Community antibiotic policies for skin and soft-tissue infection do not require amendment. Patients with previous MRSA should be isolated and screened on admission especially to high-risk units.
MeSH terms
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Age Distribution
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Aged / statistics & numerical data
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Carrier State / diagnosis
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Carrier State / epidemiology*
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Carrier State / prevention & control
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Community-Acquired Infections / diagnosis
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Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology*
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Community-Acquired Infections / etiology
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Community-Acquired Infections / prevention & control
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Drug Utilization / standards
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Family Practice / statistics & numerical data
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Female
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Humans
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Infection Control / methods
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Infection Control / standards
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London / epidemiology
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Male
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Mass Screening / methods
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Mass Screening / standards
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Methicillin Resistance*
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests
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Patient Discharge / standards
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Population Surveillance / methods
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Prevalence
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Recurrence
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Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
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Risk Factors
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Staphylococcal Infections* / diagnosis
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Staphylococcal Infections* / epidemiology*
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Staphylococcal Infections* / etiology
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Staphylococcal Infections* / prevention & control
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Staphylococcus aureus*