Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 

The goals of ABCs surveillance are:

To determine the incidence and epidemiologic characteristics of invasive disease due to Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the state of Maryland.
To determine molecular epidemiologic patterns and microbiologic characteristics of public health relevance for isolates causing the above invasive infections.
To provide an infrastructure for and to conduct additional special studies including those aimed at identifying risk factors for disease, evaluating prevention policies, and estimating the rate of subsequent disease among household members.
ABCs Core activities and Catchment Areas

The MD ABCs core surveillance activities include:

Surveillance for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area (BMA). The BMA includes Baltimore City and its five surrounding counties (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard).
Surveillance for Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) statewide.
Surveillance for invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

ABCs Case Ascertainment

The MD ABCs identifies cases through:

Reporting: Infection Control and Laboratory professionals at hospitals and laboratories serving residents in the catchment areas report cases identified at their facility. Cases are reported by faxing a completed "ABCs Notification Form" to 410-223-1815 or by calling 410-223-1801.
Laboratory audits: To ensure the completeness of surveillance, the MD ABCs conducts monthly audits at the majority of reporting laboratories to identify cases not previously reported.
Additional MD ABCs surveillance in Maryland

In addition to core surveillance activities the MD ABCs conducts surveillance for:

Candidemia: The MD ABCs conducts active population-based surveillance for cases of candidemia and antifungal drug resistance in Baltimore City and County.
For more information about ABCs activities, including current Case Definitions and Surveillance Methodology, please visit the CDC ABCs website.