The correlation between the incidence rate of MRSA and ESBL-E. coli infection and population-level variables across 18 District Health Boards in New Zealand was examined in an ecological study. Exposure due to household crowding and community antimicrobial use were positively correlated with both MRSA and ESBL-E.coli infection. Socioeconomic deprivation, age <5 years and Māori or Pacific ethnicity were also positively correlated with MRSA infection. Asian or Pacific ethnicity and overseas-born new arrivals were positively correlated with ESBL-E.coli infection. Notably, both MRSA and ESBL-E.coli infection were negatively correlated with European ethnicity. The authors commented that, with the exception of age and ethnicity, these factors are modifiable and provide opportunity to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance.
