More Research Needed to Compare Effectiveness of MRSA Screening Strategies in Health Care Settings

A new AHRQ research review found that there is not enough evidence in the available literature to compare the effectiveness of screening strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in select patient populations. The review found that there is low strength of evidence that screening all hospitalized patients (universal screening) for MRSA bacteria decreases hospital-acquired MRSA infections compared with no screening. However, there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of universal MRSA screening strategies on other outcomes, including the risk of death and other potential harms. After the completion of this EHC report, an AHRQ-funded project on different approaches to reduce MRSA infection was published in the May 30 online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. In that study, researchers achieved a 44 percent reduction in all-cause bloodstream infections and significantly reduced the presence of MRSA when they decolonized every patient who entered the ICU, regardless of MRSA status. Ultimately, the research review underscores the need for additional well-designed studies that take into account factors that may complicate results. Select to access the research review, Screening for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).

Screening for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) - Research Review - Final | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program