The number of people contracting the hospital superbug, MRSA, has fallen significantly in recent years, new figures from the Department of Health have shown.

Rates of another superbug, C.diff, also appear to be on the decline.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a form of the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, which has become resistant to standard antibiotics - including the antibiotic methicillin. It is often referred to as a ‘superbug' due to its ability to resist treatment.

MRSA is most commonly associated with hospital patients, particularly older and more vulnerable patients.

These latest figures show that 592 cases of MRSA were detected in public and private hospitals in 2006, when surveillance for the infection began. However by the end of last year, this had fallen to 222 cases, a decrease of 62%.

Meanwhile the number of cases of C.diff in the second quarter (April to June) of this year was found to be 15% lower compared to the same period last year.

C.diff (Clostridium difficile) usually occurs following antibiotic therapy in healthcare settings such as hospitals. It causes diarrhoea, abdominal pain, inflammation of the colon, fever, vomiting and dehydration. It can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as elderly hospital patients.

Up to 30% of patients diagnosed with hospital-acquired C.diff infection die within 30 days.

While these latest figures were welcomed by Health Minister, Leo Varadkar, he insisted more work needs to be done to bring Ireland into line with other EU countries.

"I want to acknowledge the hard work and good progress made by the HSE in the fight against MRSA and C.diff. Staff in particular are making huge efforts and have played a vital role in improving hygiene levels and preventing cross infection.

"However, MRSA rates in Ireland remain high compared to many countries and healthcare-associated infections are one of the leading causes of preventable harm. We need to remain vigilant," he insisted.

Meanwhile, according to the HSE's National Director for Quality Improvement, Dr Philip Crowley, the HSE has identified three priority areas that must be continually tackled - hand hygiene, medical device-related infections and the safe/appropriate use of antibiotics.

"The very welcome downward trend in MRSA and C.diff infections shows how surveillance of infections has helped to drive improvement for patients. Healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic resistance are serious threats to the quality of the care we provide. We must continue to build on the work we have done and ensure good prevention practice in all areas of healthcare," he commented.