Cost analysis concerning MRSA-infection in ICU.

Objective: MRSA-infection incidences are still rising, because of unreflected use of antibiotic drugs in man and animals. Although some European countries already have an incidence as high as 30% of MRSA infection in ICU-patients, there is no additional financial support for the treatment of MRSA infected patients. Methods: We investigated all MRSA infected patients of the operative ICU ward of the department of anaesthesia at the university Ulm within the last three years. We calculated all costs for decontamination and special treatment of the MRSA infection as well as the costs for closing beds, because of MRSA precaution and isolation reasons. Results: The average monthly costs for MRSA infected patients is about 3848 EURO for decontamination and treatment, and another 5560 EURO fix costs. The average monthly ICU duration for MRSA patients was 5.8 days, which means a financial loss of 1622 EURO per "MRSA-patient day". This loss is more than two times the price the social security system pays for an ICU-patient. Conclusion: These extra costs should be calculated and additionally paid for patients with MRSA-infection in order to obtain a certain quality standard. By achieving this standard the total economy costs for MRSA infection treatment could be reduced.