The infection control team (ICT) of Nagano Prefectural Suzaka Hospital has been screening for MRSA and making efforts to ensure a clean hospital environment and the proper use of antibiotics since 2004.As a result,from June 2004 to May 2007 (divided into period I to VI ; 6 months each) the MRSA detection rate in the hospital significantly decreased (period I ; 1.18±0.42 vs.period VI ; 0.667±0.29,mean±S.D ; p<0.05)but the MRSA detection rate on admission changed hardly at all (period I ; 1.30±0.43 vs.period VI ; 1.70±0.43,mean±S.D.; p=0.14).ICT activities were therefore effective in the suppression of MRSA in our hospital.
There was a significant (p<0.05)correlation between the MRSA detection rate in the hospital and monthly use of antiMRSA agents,suggesting that they were being used properly.However,as total use of antibiotics during the period did not decrease,additional approaches need to be considered to achieve this aim.