MRSA in patients presenting with femoral fractures.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To assess MRSA carrier status in patients from different residences presenting with femoral fractures and to assess the incidence of MRSA deep wound infections post-operatively with regard to MRSA status on presentation. METHOD: One hundred and five patients were screened for MRSA on arrival over a 20-week period. They were then followed up post-operatively to determine the number of patients developing MRSA deep wound infection. RESULTS: One out of three patients came from an institution (nursing, residential home or hospital). Nearly one in four of these patients were MRSA carriers, compared with a carrier rate of less than 1 in 20 in patients admitted from home. Of the 11 cases presenting as MRSA carriers, two developed a MRSA deep wound infection, compared with 2 out of the 94 patients not colonised with MRSA (X2 p < 0.01).