Hospital- and Community-Based Surveillance of Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus:</i> Previous Hospitalization is the Major Risk Factor

Abstract

These findings demonstrate that the incidence of MRSA is higher than previously reported and that hospital contact is the single most important risk factor for the acquisition of MRSA in our community. Screening for MRSA in previously hospitalized patients at the time of hospitalization may reduce nosocomial spread and indirectly reduce the incidence of MRSA in the community.