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Berufliche MRSA-Infektionen bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitsdienst

Objective: Occupationally acquired infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause severe health problems in healthcare workers (HCW). However, to date there have been no studies to establish the frequency of occupationally acquired MRSA infections among HCWs in Germany. This paper presents data from an accident insurance company for occupational MRSA infections.

Methods: Claims for suspected MRSA infections that were submitted to the BGW (insurance organization for the health and welfare sectors) between 2006 and 2007 and recognized as occupational disease (OD) were taken from the BGW database. The medical files for each of these OD claims were then analyzed. Information on the workplace infection risk, details of the infection and the reasons for recognition as an OD were documented.

Results: Of the 389 filed claims of suspected MRSA, 17 cases were recognized as OD. Most of the employees suffering from MRSA worked in care homes or hospitals. The most frequent sites of MRSA infection were ENT and the skin. In three cases a secondary infection occurred following injury to the skin. In four cases MRSA infection resulted in longterm inability to work. In eight cases index patients were known and in one of these cases a genetic link was demonstrated between the index patient and the employee. In five cases a possible non-occupational cause of infection could be identified. Criteria for the decision that an MRSA infection is an occupational disease include contact with MRSA-positive patients and an increased MRSA-risk at the workplace.

Conclusion: It appears that there is a low risk of occupationally acquired MRSA infection. However, as an infection can have serious consequences for the employees involved and MRSA patients who have not been identified represent an increased risk of infection to employees, surveillance of risk patients should be improved as a means of preventing further MRSA infections.