Staph infection hospitalization and death rates rise rapidly between 1999 and 2005

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December 5, 2007

A report in the December Emerging Infectious Diseases says the rate of hospitalization and hospital death rates due to Staphylococcus aureus (S-aureus), and more specifically, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), have risen significantly between 1999 and 2005. The number of hospitalizations due to S-aureus infections rose more than 68% during this time, and the number of in-hospital MRSA-related deaths more than doubled.

Using data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey, the researchers concluded that the results point to a trend in community associated-MRSA spreading to hospitals and infecting patients once they have entered the hospital. The group suggests that S-aureus and MRSA become national priorities for disease control.

To see the full study, click here.