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Comparison of Screening for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus at Hospital Admission and Discharge

Abstract:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contributes greatly to the growing concern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially given its stubborn per-sistence in healthcare settings. MRSA resists treatment and has colonized an es-timated 2% of people worldwide. The CDC reports MRSA prevalence as high as 25–50% in countries like the U.K. and the U.S. Given its resistant nature—it evolves to compensate antibiotic treatment—controlling MRSA levels requires pre-cautionary and defensive measures. This study examines the “search and isolation” approach, which seeks to isolate MRSA-positive patients in hospitals to decrease transmission. Although this strategy is straightforward, whom to screen may vary in practice. We compare screening at admission to screening at discharge, using a mathematical model whose simulations determine MRSA endemic levels in a hospital under either control measure. We found screening at discharge more effective in controlling MRSA endemicity, but at the cost of more isolated patients.