Bacteraemia in Dublin due to gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract From 1976 to 1979 the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia increased in 12 Dublin hospitals. There was also an increase in the incidence of bacteraemia due to gentamicin-resistant Staph. aureus particularly in the years 1978 and 1979. Of the 55 patients with bacteraemia due to gentamicin-resistant Staph. aureus , 19 died as a result of the infection. These patients covered a wide range of medical services and all age groups were included. In some instances cross-infection was shown. The absence of isolation facilities was a contributory factor in the spread of infection. It is concluded that gentamicin-resistant Staph. aureus has become a serious cause of bacteraemia in Dublin hospitals.