MRSA infection rate higher than in most EU countries

INFECTION rates from MRSA remain higher in Irish hospitals than most of Europe despite campaigns to promote hand hygiene.

In addition, the levels of antibiotics given to hospital patients continue to increase despite evidence that overuse of antibiotics is contributing to the development of superbugs.

While the number of MRSA bloodstream infections dropped slightly from 572 in 2006 to 526 in 2007, and the rate of infection decreased from 0.15 cases per 1,000 bed days in 2006 to 0.14 in 2007, a report published yesterday said the rate “is still high compared with other EU countries”.