Increase in Staphylococcal Disease in England
Author Information
Author(s): Hayward Andrew, Knott Felicity, Petersen Irene, Livermore David M., Duckworth Georgia, Islam Amir, Johnson Anne M.
Primary Institution: University College London Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Hypothesis
Has there been a generalized increase in community-onset staphylococcal disease severe enough to merit hospitalization and general practice antimicrobial drug prescribing?
Conclusion
There has been a major and previously undocumented increase in community-onset staphylococcal disease in England over the past 15 years.
Supporting Evidence
- Hospital admission rates for staphylococcal septicemia increased by more than 5-fold.
- Floxacillin prescriptions increased 1.8-fold and fusidic acid prescriptions 2.5-fold from 1991 to 2006.
- The increases in staphylococcal disease admissions were not matched by increases in admission rates for control conditions.
Takeaway
More people are getting sick from staph infections that start in the community, and doctors are prescribing more medicine for these infections.
Methodology
The study analyzed Hospital Episode Statistics and national general practice data to describe trends in hospital admissions and community prescribing for staphylococcal disease.
Potential Biases
There may be ascertainment bias due to increased awareness of MRSA affecting the recording of staphylococcal infections.
Limitations
The study could not confirm that S. aureus was the causative organism for all admissions identified.
Participant Demographics
The study included all age groups in England.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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