Emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 genotype as a major cause of late-onset nosocomial pneumonia in intensive care patients in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographic and clinical characteristics, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain characteristics, in patients with early-onset (EO) and late-onset (LO) MRSA nosocomial pneumonia. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of data from a multicenter observational study of nosocomial pneumonia patients admitted between November 2008 and July 2010. Laboratory analyses performed on MRSA isolates included confirmation of antimicrobial susceptibility and heteroresistance to vancomycin, USA typing, staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing, and detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. RESULTS: We identified 134 patients; 42 (31%) had EO MRSA pneumonia and 92 (69%) had LO MRSA pneumonia. The patients in the LO group were more likely to have risk factors for multidrug-resistant pathogens (98% vs. 76%, p<0.001). The MRSA USA300 strain was found with equal frequency in the EO and LO groups. Likewise, both groups had similar frequencies of isolates exhibiting PVL and SCCmec type IV. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide further evidence of the continued migration of community-associated MRSA into the healthcare setting in the USA. MRSA USA300 genotype has emerged as a significant cause of LO nosocomial pneumonia in intensive care units. Appropriate anti-MRSA antimicrobial therapy should be considered for both EO and LO hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Fecal containment in bedridden patients: economic impact of 2 commercial bowel catheter systems.

BACKGROUND: Fecal contamination is a major challenge in patients in acute/critical care settings that is associated with increased cost of care and supplies and with development of pressure ulcers, incontinence dermatitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections. OBJECTIVES: To assess the economic impact of fecal containment in bedridden patients using 2 different indwelling bowel catheters and to compare infection rates between groups. METHODS: A multicenter, observational study was done at 12 US sites (7 that use catheter A, 5 that use catheter B). Patients were followed from insertion of an indwelling bowel catheter system until the patient left the acute/critical care unit or until 29 days after enrollment, whichever came first. Demographic data, frequency of bedding/dressing changes, incidence of infection, and Braden scores (risk of pressure ulcers) were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 146 bedridden patients (76 with catheter A, 70 with catheter B) who had similar Braden scores at enrollment. The rate of bedding/dressing changes per day differed significantly between groups (1.20 for catheter A vs 1.71 for catheter B; P = .004). According to a formula that accounted for personnel resources and laundry cycle costs, catheter A cost $13.94 less per patient per day to use than did catheter B. Catheter A was less likely than was catheter B to be removed during the observational period (P = .03). Observed infection rates were low. CONCLUSION: Catheter A may be more cost-effective than catheter B because it requires fewer unscheduled linen changes per patient day.