Bed occupancy and overcrowding as determinant factors in the incidence of MRSA infections within general ward settings

Sub-title
AuthorM A Borg
AbstractMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) incidence and bed occupancy rates at St Luke's Hospital, Malta, were assessed over a 24-month period. A significant positive correlation was established (r=0.463; P<0.05) between new cases of MRSA infections and overall levels of bed occupancy. This would imply that overcrowding may be a relevant factor in MRSA spread within hospitals, even in non-intensive care settings.

Published in:
JournalJ Hosp Infect
Volume54(4)
Pages316 - 318
Date
Link to journal

Key wordsMRSA, bed occupancy, overcrowding

Compiled by: Dr. I. Stabile    Dr. J. Pace