Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: implications for the 1990s and effective control measures.
Data from around the world verify the escalating incidence of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Since MRSA are spread primarily on the hands of health care workers, rates of infection are a function of infection control activities within institutions. Moreover, infections with MRSA are serious and often life-threatening. Thus, there are compelling medical and ethical reasons to invest in control measures. Currently available data suggest the efficacy of three measures: (a) identification of the entire patient reservoir (cases and carriers) for purposes of isolation; (b) strict handwashing between patients to prevent transmission; and (c) treatment of the carrier state in health care workers and patients during periods of high infection rates with safe and effective topical agents such as mupirocin.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
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RP
Wenzel
M D
MD
Nettleman
R N
RN
Jones
M A
MA
Pfaller
D002353:Carrier State / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*