New figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show that the rates of MRSA infections in Irish hospitals have dropped.

The figures show that for the first six months of 2008, MRSA rates have fallen by 3.5 per cent compared with 2007 and seven per cent when compared with 2006.

However, despite this good news, it appears that a number of other infections are showing an increased resistance to drugs. These include Streptococcus pneumoniae, E.coli and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE).

Commenting on the figures, HPSC consultant microbiologist Dr Robert Cunney said that he was pleased to see a reduction in both the proportion and number of MRSA bloodstream infections but urged caution in interpreting the findings as it is not yet clear whether or not this downward trend will continue.

He said that while it was worrying that other infections were showing increased drug resistance , a number of new initiatives are now in place which should help to address the issue of antibiotic resistance in Ireland including the recent appointment of additional infection prevention and control personnel, and clinical pharmacists, the recent introduction of a new pneumococcal vaccine for children and the preparation of national guidelines on developing programmes to promote prudent antibiotic use in hospitals which are due to be launched in early 2009.

Concluding he added, "Even with these interventions, it is clear that a lot more still needs to be done to bring the rate of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, down to the levels seen in other European countries. Investment in infection prevention and control structures, and in interventions to limit inappropriate antibiotic use, can bring major cost savings to the health service but, more importantly, will also save lives."

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