Novel strategies for the use of antibiotics.
Recent data have suggested an extension of the use of nasal mupirocin into the area of infection prevention in cardiac surgery. Randomized placebo-controlled studies of preoperative mupirocin are now required to confirm these results. Two randomized controlled studies of either antiseptics or antibiotics impregnated or coating central catheters have shown advantages in terms of preventing infection compared with placebo. The role played by chlorhexidine-coated peripheral catheters is less clear.
Macgowan
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Bristol Centre for Antimicrobial Research and Evaluation, Southmead Health Services NHS Trust and University of Bristol, Department of Medical Microbiology, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.