Staphylococcus aureus bei Hämodialysepatienten

This prospective study investigated Staphylococcus aureus colonization, infection rates, and mortality in a cohort of 86 hemodialysis patients over 25 months. Regular sampling and molecular characterization revealed that 65% of patients were colonized with S. aureus, significantly higher than in the general population, with clonal complex 8 and spa type t008 being the most prevalent lineages. Notably, patients with arteriovenous fistulas showed higher nasal colonization densities compared to those with central venous catheters. Despite the elevated colonization and six bloodstream infections, overall mortality was lower in carriers than non-carriers, a surprising finding that suggests possible protective or adaptive factors associated with colonization in this high-risk group.