Infection of vascular prostheses

Graft infection occurred in 11 of 322 patients (3.4%) who had insertion of a vascular prosthesis for peripheral vascular disease during a 4-year period. The groin was the most common site of infection and multiple resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most common organism responsible. Six of 7 MRSA infections occurred following a procedure involving a previously placed graft and/or a groin incision. Prophylactic antibiotics effective against MRSA are recommended for patients having a revisional procedure, especially involving the groin.