Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia in a Tropical Setting: Patient Outcome and Impact of Antibiotic Resistance
Author Information
Author(s): Emma K. Nickerson, Maliwan Hongsuwan, Direk Limmathurotsakul, Vanaporn Wuthiekanun, Krupal R. Shah, Pramot Srisomang, Weera Mahavanakul, Therapon Wacharaprechasgul, Vance G. Fowler Jr., Eoin T. West, Nitaya Teerawatanasuk, Harald Becher, Nicholas J. White, Wirongrong Chierakul, Sharon J. Peacock
Primary Institution: Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Hypothesis
What is the epidemiology, treatment, and outcome of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in northeast Thailand?
Conclusion
S. aureus is a significant pathogen in northeast Thailand, with higher mortality rates than in industrialized countries.
Supporting Evidence
- The all-cause mortality rate was 52%, with 44% attributable to S. aureus.
- MRSA accounted for 28% of infections, all of which were healthcare-associated.
- Mortality rates for MRSA and MSSA were 67% and 46%, respectively.
- 54% of infections were either nosocomial or non-nosocomial healthcare-associated.
Takeaway
This study shows that a type of bacteria called S. aureus can make people very sick in Thailand, and many of them die from it, especially older people.
Methodology
A prospective, observational study conducted over 1 year in a 1000-bed hospital, collecting clinical data and outcomes at 12 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the observational nature of the study and reliance on hospital records.
Limitations
The study was limited to a single hospital and may not represent all tropical settings.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 39 years, with 62% adults and 38% children; 58% had underlying chronic conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.11
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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