Comparison of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition among rehabilitation and nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) acquisition among extended care residents focusing on level of care (residential vs rehabilitation) and room placement with an MRSA-positive resident. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Extended care units at 2 healthcare systems in Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty-three residents with no history of MRSA and negative MRSA surveillance cultures of the anterior nares and areas of skin breakdown at enrollment. METHODS: Follow-up cultures were collected every 4 weeks and/or at discharge for a period of 12 weeks. Study data were collected by a research nurse from the medical staff and the electronic medical records. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to calculate adjusted hazards ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Residents in rehabilitation care had 4-fold higher risk of MRSA acquisition compared with residents in residential care (hazard ratio [HR], 4. [95% CI, 2.2-8.8]). Being bedbound was significantly associated with MRSA acquisition in both populations (residential care, aHR, 4.3 [95% CI, 1.5-12.2]; rehabilitation care, aHR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.2-18.7]). Having an MRSA-positive roommate was not significantly associated with acquisition in either population (residential care, aHR, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.5-3.9]; rehabilitation care, aHR, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.1-2.2]); based on concordant spa typing, only 2 of 8 residents who acquired MRSA and had room placement with an MRSA-positive resident acquired their MRSA isolate from their roommate. CONCLUSION: Residents in rehabilitation care appear at higher risk and have different risk factors for MRSA acquisition compared to those in residential care.