From: McKnight’s
A recent study highlights a significant decline in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, both in healthcare settings and community environments. Conducted by researchers at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, the study analyzed data from 9.2 million individuals, including active and non-active military personnel and their families. By reviewing first positive MRSA test results, the researchers uncovered trends pointing to a notable reduction in infections.
The findings revealed that the prevalence of MRSA-related skin and soft-tissue infections in community settings, which had peaked at 62%, saw a 10% decline by 2010. These infections, often challenging to treat due to antibiotic resistance, have been a longstanding concern in both community and hospital environments. The decline suggests that preventative measures and public health interventions may be yielding positive outcomes in controlling MRSA infections.
Rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are on the decline in both healthcare facilities and in community settings, a new study found.
San Antonio Military Medical Center researchers reviewed data from 9.2 million active and non-active military personnel and their immediate families, and looked at the first positive MRSA test. They found that while the percentage of skin and soft-tissue infections caused by MRSA in the community peaked at 62%, it was down by 10% in 2010.
A study from the U.S. Department of Defense also found that the rate of serious infections, called bacteremia caused by MRSA, dropped between 2005 and 2010 in both community and hospital settings.
“These observations, taken together with the results from others showing decreases in the rates of health care-associated infections from MRSA, suggest that broad shifts in the epidemiology of S. aureus infections may be occurring,” study author Michael Landrum, M.D. wrote.