Bacteria outbreaks traced

Press, 1 August 1989, Page 26

Bacteria outbreaks traced

PA Wellington Two hospital outbreaks of a penicillin-resistant septic bacteria show the ease by which it spreads internationally, a National Health Institute study has found. A total of 66 strains of the bacteria, methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus, were identified on the 418 patients and health staff studied. “An overseas origin, usually Australia, was identified for 48.4 per cent of strains,” the study, published in the latest “Medical Journal,” said. The first outbreak of MRSA began at Wellington Hospital in 1985

following introduction of an Australian strain into the hospital’s intensive care unit. The strain persisted in Wellington Hospital until July 1986 and spread via patient transfer to Christchurch, Hutt, Kenepuru, Napier, Nelson, and Waikato Hospitals. Staphylococcus causes boils and septic infections. The second outbreak, caused by another MRSA strain, occurred in Palmerston North Hospital in 1986. In spite of being transferred on patients to other hospitals it did not establish itself elsewhere. "During the years 1985-

87 not only were there two large outbreaks of MRSA but the numbers of patients and staff identified with independent MRSA strains in hospitals rose markedly. “Our results demonstrate the ease with which MRSA strains can be transferred internationally.” The screening of patients and staff from overseas and from New Zealand hospitals where MRSA was found had made it possible to limit its spread and prevent it from becoming endemic in hospitals, the study said.