MRSA infection rates in hospitals fall 25% in 3 years

NEW figures show a 25% drop in MRSA infection rates in hospitals over the past three years.

If the downward trend continues, the Health Service Executive could achieve the 30% reduction in MRSA ahead of its five-year target set in 2007.

The report, published yesterday by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows that MRSA rates have fallen by 25% from 2006 to the latter half of 2008.

It is the second consecutive report showing a reduction of MRSA rates.

The figures relate to Staphylococcus aureus (s.aureus) blood steam infections for acute public hospitals in Ireland.

While some patients come into hospital with the infections, many are healthcare-associated infections.

MRSA infections are antibiotic-resistant and more difficult to treat, with infected patients needing careful management to avoid cross-infection.

The health service points out that the number of MRSA cases has been decreasing annually, from 575 cases in 2006 to 430 towards the final half of 2008.

HSE chief executive Prof Brendan Drumm said that, while there was no room for complacency, the report confirmed that real progress was being made.

HSE director of public health, Dr Kevin Kelleher, said while MRSA accounts for around 10% of healthcare-associated infections, it could have serious implications and the health authority recognised the concern which it caused for patients and families.

Dr Kelleher, speaking on behalf of the HSE’s Healthcare Acquired Infections Governance Group, said the progress that the surveillance centre had reported was reassuring.

“We will be ensuring that vigorous efforts to prevent and control healthcare-acquired infections by the HSE are maintained and enhanced to deliver on our targets,” he said.