Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus control at the National University Hospital, Singapore: a historical perspective

Abstract

Introduction: The National University Hospital (NUH) was the first restructured public hospital in Singapore. As the most recently established hospital in Singapore, it has a unique record of alert organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Materials and methods: We performed a critical review of multiple data sources including surveillance reports, task force reports, published abstracts and manuscripts concerning MRSA in NUH.

Results: Three themes emerged: 1) the MRSA rates have remained relatively stable through the life of the hospital despite the increased complexity of patients and intermittent intensified control efforts; 2) the major MRSA task forces were driven by surgeons and 3) a scientific approach to epidemiology has a critical role in understanding and planning interventions.

Conclusion: Although containment of MRSA can be accomplished to a certain degree through mobilisation of existing resources, higher goals such as eradication would require massive infusions of infrastructural, scientific and human resources to have a chance of success.