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.
Wenzel
R P
RP
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
Nettleman
M D
MD
Jones
R N
RN
Pfaller
M A
MA
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*