Epidemiology, antibiotic consumption and molecular characterisation of Staphylococcus aureus infections - data from the Polish neonatology surveillance network, 2009-2012

Abstract

Our aim was to determine and characterize S. aureus (SA) isolated from infections in newborns for antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, genotypes, epidemiology and antibiotic consumption. Methods: Prospective surveillance of infections was conducted. Data about antibiotic treatment were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed. PCR amplification was used to detect resistance and virulence genes. Typing methods such as PFGE, spa-typing and SCCmec were used. Results: SA was found to be associated with 6.5% of infections. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 32.8% of SA-infections. An incidence of MRSA-infections was 1.1/1000 newborns. MRSA-infections were diagnosed significantly earlier than MSSA-infections in these newborns (14th day vs. 23rd day (p = 0.0194)). MRSA-infections increased the risk of newborn's death. Antibiotic consumption in both group was similar, but a high level of glycopeptides-usage for MSSA infections was observed. Conclusions: Results obtained in the study point at specific epidemiological situation in Polish NICU (more detailed studies are recommended).