Quarterly Epidemiological Commentaries on MRSA and MSSA bacteraemia and C. difficile infection

In addition to the publication of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) counts (monthly) and rates (annual) arising from the mandatory surveillance scheme, the HPA produces quarterly epidemiological commentaries. Mandatory surveillance of Meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) started in January 2011 and a summary of this data is also included in the quarterly epidemiological commentary. 

Aggregated over all English NHS acute Trusts, the commentaries contain a description of the trends in the mandatory reports of these healthcare-associated infections over a period of 9 quarters. The commentaries also describe trends in other epidemiological factors such as the age and sex profiles of patients with the infections and differences in hospital demographics; for example patient provenance and treatment specialities.

The commentary is produced as a single report combining both organisms and is available as a PDF. This series began in December 2009.

Current report:

December 2011: Quarterly epidemiological commentary (PDF, 596 KB): Trends in MRSA and  MSSA bacteraemia and C. difficile infection up to July - September 2011.

Next publication date: 15th March 2012 (Up to October - December 2011).

Previous reports:

September 2011: Quarterly Epidemiological Commentary (PDF, 626 KB) : Trends in MRSA bacteraemia and C. difficile infection up to April -June 2011.

June 2011:Quarterly Epidemiological Commentary (PDF, 597 KB): Trends in MRSA bacteraemia and C. difficile infection up to January - March 2011.

March 2011: Quarterly Epidemiological Commentary (PDF, 667 KB):Trends in MRSA bacteraemia and C. difficile infection up to October-December 2010.

Previous publications of quarterly epidemiological commentaries extending back to December 2009 are available on request.

Last reviewed: 15 December 2011