In 430 patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection, MRSA isolation was associated with higher rates of poor prognosis and complications.

This retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical characteristics, drug resistance, and risk factors in 430 patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SA-BSI) treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University. The population was stratified into methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) groups for comparison. The study did not report a specific intervention or exposure, nor was a follow-up duration specified.

Regarding primary outcomes, the isolation rate of MRSA was 50.47% (217 of 430 patients). The incidence of poor prognosis was 18.14% (78 of 430 patients). Secondary outcomes included isolation rates, ICU admission rates, respiratory failure, central venous catheterization, endotracheal intubation, urinary catheterization, tracheotomy, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

The analysis found that rates of ICU admission, respiratory failure, central venous catheterization, endotracheal intubation, urinary catheterization, tracheotomy, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation were significantly higher in the MRSA group than in the MSSA group (p < 0.05). No safety data, adverse events, or discontinuations were reported. The study did not report funding sources or potential conflicts of interest.

Key limitations include the single-center design, lack of reported follow-up duration, and absence of p-values or confidence intervals for most specific outcomes. As an observational study, it cannot establish causality between MRSA status and the observed complications. Clinicians should interpret these results as associations rather than definitive evidence of causation.