title: The analysis of the impact of a mild, low-iodine, lotion soap on the reduction of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new opportunity for surveillance by objectives.
abstract: A significant unremitting increase in the incidence of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in a 500-bed acute care community teaching hospital prompted reevaluation of the efficacy of the infection control measures used. A well-accepted, low-iodine, antimicrobial soap was used to replace a liquid natural handsoap in two areas with the highest incidence of MRSA--the intensive care unit, and a medical division. Over a two-year period, an analysis was made of the effect of soap replacement on nosocomial infections and pathogens. Soap changeover occurred at the midpoint of the two-year period. From year to year, the nosocomial MRSA rate decreased 80% (t test, P = 0.005). Other pathogens that demonstrated a dramatic decrease included methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), infections where no pathogens were isolated, and various gram-negative infections. Categories of nosocomial infections that decreased included surgical wound infections, primary bacteremias, and respiratory tract infections. The overall nosocomial infection rate of the two combined areas decreased 21.5%, representing a year-to-year savings of $109,500. As a result, the decision was made to install the low-iodine handsoap permanently at all sinks within the hospital.
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007466:Iodophors; D008712:Methicillin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010403:Penicillin Resistance; D012915:Soaps; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013501:Surface-Active Agents
chemical_list: D007466:Iodophors; D012915:Soaps; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D008712:Methicillin