Significant increase in MRSA infections

Figures for MRSA infections have placed German hospitals among the highest in Europe.
According to current recommendations by the Robert-Koch-Institute (www.rki.de) the following groups of patients should be routinely tested for MRSA: 
- patients with known MRSA anamnesis
- patients transferred from regions or units with known high MRSA prevalence
- MRSA patients’ contacts
- patients with chronic care requirements
- bedridden patients with catheters
- patients undergoing dialysis
- patients with skin ulcers
-  those with chronic wounds and burns.

Other patient groups, such as those admitted to intensive care wards, might also need to be included in screening programmes. Screenings has already proved cost effective for the above mentioned patient groups. However, the future availability of reliable, fast tests, along with a computer programme that identifies former MRSA patients on readmission could solve this problem.

26.06.2007