Infections in Injection Drug Users in New York State

The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida species and group A Streptococcus infections is increasing in persons who inject drugs; measures to decrease incidence are not routinely employed.

Recognition of local and systemic infection caused by bacterial and fungal organisms in persons who inject drugs (PWID) is longstanding. Now the CDC, in conjunction with local health facilities in western New York State, have documented and studied a doubling of infection rate with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in adult PWID from 2014 to 2017. Incidences of group A Streptococcus and Candida spp. bloodstream infections have also increased in PWID in 15 New York counties. In addition, nationwide, the proportion of invasive MRSA infections occurring in PWID increased from 4.1% in 2011 to 9.2% in 2016.

Cases in western New York State were identified by either culture reports of any of these three organisms or substance-use a…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Infections in Injection Drug Users in New York State

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Reviewing Author