Infection Control Measures and Detection of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Abstract

We examined the implementation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection prevention measures and MRSA incidence in neonatal intensive care units in Japan. We conducted a telephone survey of facilities that were certified as neonatal facilities, had obtained an additional infection prevention measure, and were implementing an active MRSA surveillance culture. Responses were obtained from the infection control personnel at 30 facilities, with a response rate of 21%. The facilities in the study area regularly implemented the reinforcing measures described in the CDC guidelines, with a median MRSA density of 2.8. The facilities that conducted surveillance cultures at weekly intervals had a higher MRSA incidence density and implemented multiple measures.