Extract

(See the Major Article by López-Cortés et al on pages 1225–33.)

Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in the United States [1] and among the most common etiologies of bloodstream infections worldwide [2]. By sheer volume alone, S. aureus bacteremia (SAB) imposes a significant burden on the healthcare system. This burden is further amplified by the high likelihood of serious complications associated with this disease including metastatic infections and infective endocarditis. In an analysis of a large database of 59 US hospitals, SAB, and, in particular bacteremia due to methicillin-resistant S. aureus, was associated with a higher mortality, longer length of stay, and greater total hospital charges compared to bacteremia from any other pathogen [1]. The cost per episode of SAB is substantial, especially among high-risk patients; the mean cost among patients undergoing hemodialysis is $24 034 [3] and ranges from $40 000 to $70 000 [4] among those with prosthetic devices.

You do not currently have access to this article.