Staphylococcus aureus Infections in US Veterans
Author Information
Author(s): Tracy LaRee A., Furuno Jon P., Harris Anthony D., Singer Mary, Langenberg Patricia, Roghmann Mary-Claire
Primary Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Hypothesis
To describe overall trends and recent changes in the incidence of S. aureus infection while differentiating between invasive and noninvasive, community- and hospital-onset, and methicillin-susceptible and -resistant S. aureus infections.
Conclusion
The study found an increase in the overall incidence of S. aureus infections, particularly noninvasive community-onset MRSA infections, from 1999 to 2008.
Supporting Evidence
- 3,674 S. aureus infections were identified during the study period.
- 2,256 (61%) of the infections were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
- The overall incidence of S. aureus infections significantly increased starting in 2003.
- Incidence of invasive S. aureus infections significantly decreased during the same period.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many veterans got infections from a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus over ten years, and it found that more people got these infections, especially the kind that is harder to treat.
Methodology
A 10-year population-based retrospective cohort study using patient-level data in the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.
Potential Biases
The study may overestimate true rates for women due to the male-dominated study population.
Limitations
The study population may not represent the overall US population, and the findings may not be generalizable to children or populations with different MRSA strains.
Participant Demographics
The study primarily involved adult male veterans, with 49% of patients being Black.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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