title: Preventing postoperative Staphylococcus infections: an update.
abstract: Postoperative nosocomial infections are associated with increased cost, hospitalization, and morbidity. S. aureus is the most common organism that contributes to postoperative nosocomial infections, and causes up to 25% of these infections. The role of the nose as a reservoir for S. aureus and possible subsequent endogenous infections has been recognized for approximately 40 years. Elimination of nasal carriage of S. aureus may be another intervention aimed at reducing postoperative infections. Mupirocin, a topical antibiotic effective against Gram-positive organisms, was proved to be effective in reducing the rates of nasal colonization of S. aureus and decreased postoperative nosocomial infections due to S. aureus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grady
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Cullen
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002353:Carrier State / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016712:Mupirocin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016712:Mupirocin