562. Reducing MRSA Bacteremia in Adult Patients through MRSA Decolonization Bundle

BACKGROUND: Patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are at an increased risk of developing a subsequent MRSA infection. Moreover, these individuals may serve as an endogenous reservoir to spread the bacteria to other patients. In an attempt to reduce MRSA bacteremia rates, a decolonization protocol was developed and implemented at a tertiary teaching hospital in Detroit, Michigan. In this study, we evaluate the intervention’s impact on community-onset (CO) and hospital onset (HO) MRSA bacteremia rates. METHODS: Infection Control developed an MRSA decolonization bundle for adults that consisted of daily Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing and twice-daily nasal swabs with 10% Povidone–iodine (PI) or Nozin for individuals with iodine allergies. Patients with known risk factors for developing an MRSA infection, such as patients residing in an intensive care unit and/or undergoing specified procedure, were prescribed the bundle for their length of stay (Figure 1). Countraindications for nasal decolonization included inhalation injuries, CSF leaks, ENT surgeries, and transphenoidal surgeries. A retrospective chart review of high-risk patients was conducted to determine compliance with the elements of the MRSA decolonization bundle. Rates of CO and HO MRSA bacteremia per 1,000 patient-days were graphed against compliance with bundle elements (2 nasal swabs and 1 CHG bath per day). To quantify the correlation, a linear regression model and the Pearson coefficient was used. RESULTS: Approximately 2,000 and 1,000 opportunities for nasal decolonization and CHG bathing, respectively, were identified between September 2018 and March 2019. The data suggest a strong correlation between compliance with MRSA decolonization elements and rate of HO MRSA bacteremia (R(2) = 0.785) and a moderate association between nasal decolonization and rate of CO bacteremia (R(2) = 0.322) (Figures 2 and 3). CONCLUSION: The MRSA decolonization bundle of CHG bathing and nasal swabs appears to be an effective strategy to decrease HO MRSA bacteremia rates with higher bundle compliance being associated with lower rates of infection. [Image: see text] [Image: see text] [Image: see text] DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.