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28/09/2005
MRSA surveillance reveals decrease across NI
The frequency of the MRSA bug among hospital patients in Northern Ireland has shown a first significant downturn, it was claimed today.
In its latest yearly report on the incidence of MRSA bacteraemia published today by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) Northern Ireland, a notable fall in the level of this infection is recorded in hospitals throughout the province.
The CDSC Northern Ireland’s report relates to the year April 2004-March 2005 and records a total of 568 patient episodes of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteraemia across all hospitals – some 109 or 16% fewer than the previous year.
S. aureus is a bacteria commonly carried on the skin and can occasionally lead to blood-stream infections, should it enter the body through skin or wound infections. Significantly, the number of these patients recorded as having the Methicillin resistant strain of the bacteria, was also found to have fallen during the same period by 65 to a total of 242 – a decrease of 2%.
Dr Brian Smyth, director of the CDSC Northern Ireland, said that in overall terms the report presented an improving and encouraging picture, but stressed that hospitals and infection control teams should not be complacent.
“It is very welcome to see a reduction in the overall number of cases and to witness this in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland,” said Dr Smyth. “However, it remains a challenging task to sustain this trend over future years, and this must now form the focus of on-going work,” he added.
The CDSC Northern Ireland’s report was co-ordinated by consultant microbiologist Dr Tim Wyatt who attributed the downturn in the rates of MRSA to the introduction of new and substantive infection-control measures within all hospitals.
(MB/SP)
In its latest yearly report on the incidence of MRSA bacteraemia published today by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) Northern Ireland, a notable fall in the level of this infection is recorded in hospitals throughout the province.
The CDSC Northern Ireland’s report relates to the year April 2004-March 2005 and records a total of 568 patient episodes of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteraemia across all hospitals – some 109 or 16% fewer than the previous year.
S. aureus is a bacteria commonly carried on the skin and can occasionally lead to blood-stream infections, should it enter the body through skin or wound infections. Significantly, the number of these patients recorded as having the Methicillin resistant strain of the bacteria, was also found to have fallen during the same period by 65 to a total of 242 – a decrease of 2%.
Dr Brian Smyth, director of the CDSC Northern Ireland, said that in overall terms the report presented an improving and encouraging picture, but stressed that hospitals and infection control teams should not be complacent.
“It is very welcome to see a reduction in the overall number of cases and to witness this in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland,” said Dr Smyth. “However, it remains a challenging task to sustain this trend over future years, and this must now form the focus of on-going work,” he added.
The CDSC Northern Ireland’s report was co-ordinated by consultant microbiologist Dr Tim Wyatt who attributed the downturn in the rates of MRSA to the introduction of new and substantive infection-control measures within all hospitals.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
