Clustered cases of infections due to an uncommon methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus originating in a maternity ward

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to report a community outbreak of an uncommon methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originating in a maternity ward.

Patients and methods: Cases were defined by epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological investigations. Microbiological investigations included phenotypic analysis, molecular typing, and whole-genome sequencing. To control the outbreak, we applied both national recommendations to prevent in-hospital transmission and the French High Council for Public Health guidelines on the management of community-acquired MRSA infections.

Results: Between March and July 2016, seven patients with MRSA infections were identified: six skin and soft tissue infections and one pulmonary infection, including six microbiologically confirmed infections. Infections occurred in community settings, but a link with the same maternity ward was found for all patients. All MRSA strains had a t690 spa type, were tetracycline-resistant, and produced Panton-Valentine leukocidin. All isolates belonged to the sequence type 88 (ST88).

Conclusion: This outbreak highlights the largely underestimated risk of healthcare-associated infections in maternity wards. Healthcare workers should be aware of the importance of standard hygiene precautions and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers for neonates and mothers.

Keywords: Community-acquired infections; MRSA; Maternity; Outbreak; Panton–Valentin leukocidin.