Interventions to control MRSA: high time for time-series analysis?

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2008 Sep;62(3):431-3. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkn240. Epub 2008 Jun 12.

Abstract

Time-series methods are useful in quasi-experimental study designs in which rates of antibiotic-resistant infections are ascertained before and after an intervention. However, uncertainties remain regarding the use of time-series analysis as an appropriate research methodology for analysing the effect of infection control interventions and antibiotic policies on the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In particular, there is still a substantial gap in our understanding of what actually happens to MRSA incidence when a planned intervention is made on use of one or more antibiotic drug classes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents