Clinical utility of infection control documentation of prior methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization or infection for optimization of empirical antibiotic therapy

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2008 Oct;29(10):972-4. doi: 10.1086/590665.

Abstract

This 5-year study of 25,378 hospitalizations measured the utility of infection control documentation of prior methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization or infection for the optimization of empirical antibiotic therapy. Documented prior MRSA colonization or infection was predictive of subsequent MRSA infections (odds ratio, 4.05). Physicians appear to use this documentation when prescribing empirical therapy for suspected bacteremia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carrier State* / drug therapy
  • Carrier State* / epidemiology
  • Carrier State* / microbiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Medical Records*
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Middle Aged
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents