Models to predict prevalence and transition dynamics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community nursing homes.

Background: Recent spread of USA300 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to nursing homes has been of particular concern. We sought to predict the ultimate prevalence of USA300 and non-USA300 MRSA and to examine the influence of potential risk factors on MRSA acquisition in community nursing homes.

Methods: The data were collected during a longitudinal MRSA surveillance study that involved 449 residents in 6 community nursing homes in Wisconsin.