MRSA in the U.S.

Using data from population-based surveillance in nine communities, researchers estimate that MRSA caused 94,360 invasive infections and 18,650 deaths in the U.S. in 2005.

In recent years, the medical profession and the lay press have paid increasing attention to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) disease. However, data on the true magnitude of the issue have been lacking. To better define the epidemiology of invasive MRSA disease in the U.S., nine sites of the CDC’s Active Bacterial Core surveillance network conducted surveillance for such infections reported from July 2004 through December 2005. The sites were geographically diverse and covered approximately 16.5 million individuals, or 5.6% of the U.S. population.

Overall, 8987 cases of invasive MRSA disease (isolation of MRSA from a normally sterile body site) were identified, with 1598 in-hospital deaths. Of the cases that could be categor…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health