Course Project Part Iv Curlessc

Efficacy of MRSA Infection Prevention Practices HEPA Air Filtration as a Prevention Method

Chris Curless

What is MRSA

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) – Bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body – More difficult to treat staphylococcus aureus (staph) because it's resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.

Importance of Study

• Break the epidemiologic triangle • Add to current prevention methods • Slow spread of MRSA in healthcare/community • MRSA transmission education • Data for future research

Project Description - Setup

• 20 patients/subjects – Confirmed MRSA cases – Available during study period

• 1 patient in observation room • 8 Settle plates – Strategic locations – Same for each subject

• 1 Portable HEPA System – IsoClean system

Project Description - Collection

• 6 day study – 3 days with HEPA system – 3 days without HEPA system

• Settle dishes – Replaced after each 3 day period – MRSA colonies counted

Project Description - Analysis

• Poisson regression – Regression analysis – Models count data

• Used to look at MRSA colony counts – With HEPA system – Without HEPA system

• Calculates a P value for trend – Through the rate ratios

Significance of Study

• Reduced spread of MRSA • Fewer patients/caregivers subjected to MRSA • Medical costs will be reduced • Fewer resources will be needed to care for infected patients • Safer environments • Encourage further research