Comparative study of community versus hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.

Objectives: We prospectively investigated 274 consecutive Staphylococcus aureus septicaemias in adult patients between January 1983 and December 1989 to evaluate outcome in hospital acquired and community acquired episodes.

Methods: Epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic parameters were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistical tests.

Results And Conclusions: Ninety episodes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia were acquired in the community and 184 in hospital. Diabetes mellitus and renal failure were accompanied by a clear increase in bacteraemia related death in the community-acquired category. Correct antibiotic therapy showed a better response in the community-acquired group. Bacteraemia related death was 22.6% for episodes acquired in the hospital and 18.8% for those originating in the community.