Risk of Acquiring Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria From Prior Room Occupants

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are antibiotic-resistant pathogens responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality in hospitals.^1-8 Patients acquiring MRSA or VRE are at significant risk of subsequent invasive disease. Our research group previously found that 29% of new carriers developed invasive sequelae within 18 months.⁹ Half of these events occurred after discharge from the hospital. The risk of MRSA sequelae among intensive care unit (ICU) patients is even greater, with risks of bacteremia as high as 38%.⁷ Similarly, 19% of ICU patients colonized with VRE develop subsequent infection during the same hospitalization.¹⁰