Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND: In the Norwegian health services, comprehensive measures are taken to prevent the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We wished to investigate how many contact tracings are made around newly detected cases of MRSA in patients and employees in hospitals, and how often these contact tracings lead to further findings among healthcare personnel.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this retrospective observational study, the infection control units in eight health enterprises in the country’s four health regions contributed information on findings of MRSA in healthcare personnel after contact tracings had been undertaken. Data were collected from 14 different somatic hospitals for the years 2012–15.
RESULTS: Altogether 10 142 health service employees were tested for MRSA, with positive findings in 31 employees (0.31 %). In 19 employees (0.19 %), the same MRSA strain as in the index case was found. No more than two out of 351 contact tracings (0.57 %) found the same MRSA strain in more than one employee.
INTERPRETATION: Contact tracing of MRSA in Norwegian hospitals is extensive, but MRSA is rarely detected in healthcare personnel as a result of contact tracing.