ObjectiveTo compare the colonization/infection of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients in intensive care unit (ICU), respiratory ICU (RICU) and neurosurgical ICU（NSICU）, so as to find out the risk factors for MRSA colonization/infection in patients. MethodsA prospective method was used for this study, data of all patients admitted to three ICUs between May 1 and July 31, 2013 were collected, specimens of nasal swabs of patients and health care workers (HCWs), as well as specimens of patients’ surroundings were taken and performed MRSA detection.ResultsThe average colonization rate of MRSA in 197 patients at  three ICUs was 11.17%, 22 MRSA strains were isolated, the colonization rate in ICU, RICU and NSICU patients was 4.00%, 11.90% and 15.87% respectively, no significant difference was found among different ICU groups (χ2=4.04, P=0.133). The detection rate of MRSA from patients was 2.03% （4/197）, colonization rate of MRSA in  HCWs’ nasal vestibule was 1.72%（2/116）. Detection rate of MRSA from surroundings of patients with MRSA colonization was higher than that  without MRSA colonization (22.73%［5/22］ vs 4.00%［7/175］,χ2=8.93， P=0.003）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients aged ≥60 years, invasive procedures, long length of ICU stay,and recent antimicrobial use were independent  risk factors for MRSA colonization/infection.ConclusionPatients in ICU should be screened for MRSA colonization, effective measures should be taken to avoid MRSA transmission between hospital and patients; invasive procedures should be minimized, length of ICU stay should be shortened, antimicrobial agents should be used rationally, so as to reduce MRSA colonization and infection in ICU patients.