Impact of Active Surveillance and Decolonization Strategies for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Overview

Journal J Perinatol

Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics

Date 2024 Feb 13

PMID 38351274

Authors

Sonia Gollerkeri

Caroline Oliver

Messina Maria

Daniel A Green

Fann Wu

Anshu A Paul

Alexandra Hill-Ricciuti

Barun Mathema

Rakesh Sahni

Lisa Saiman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of active surveillance and decolonization strategies on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection rates in a NICU.

Study Design: MRSA infection rates were compared before (2014-2016) and during (2017-2022) an active surveillance program. Eligible infants were decolonized with chlorohexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing and/or topical mupirocin. Successful decolonization and rates of recolonization were assessed.

Results: Fifty-two (0.57%) of 9 100 hospitalized infants had invasive MRSA infections from 2014 to 2022; infection rates declined non-significantly. During the 6-year surveillance program, the risk of infection was 16.9-times [CI 8.4, 34.1] higher in colonized infants than uncolonized infants. Those colonized with mupirocin-susceptible MRSA were more likely successfully decolonized (aOR 9.7 [CI 4.2, 22.5]). Of 57 infants successfully decolonized who remained hospitalized, 34 (60%) became recolonized.

Conclusions: MRSA infection rates did not significantly decline in association with an active surveillance and decolonization program. Alternatives to mupirocin and CHG are needed to facilitate decolonization.

Citing Articles

Impact of methicillin-resistant surveillance and decolonization in the NICU: the Texas children's hospital experience.

Hiermandi N, Foster C, Campbell J, Purnell K, Tocco E, Koy T Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2025; 5(1):e60.

PMID: 40026763 PMC: 11869050. DOI: 10.1017/ash.2025.45.

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