title: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: risk assessment and infection control policies.
abstract: The endemic state of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) occurs through a constant influx of MRSA into the healthcare setting from newly admitted MRSA-positive patients, followed by cross-transmission among inpatients and an efflux of MRSA from the hospital with discharged patients. To date, most MRSA prevention strategies have targeted cross-transmission among hospitalised patients. Intensive concerted interventions that include isolation can reduce the MRSA incidence substantially. However, debate continues about the cost-effectiveness of infection control policies, including screening protocols, to control the influx of MRSA into hospitals. The rationale and cost-effectiveness of wide screening, as compared to targeted screening, should be further studied using appropriate statistical approaches and economic modelling.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tacconelli
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards*; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000592:standards; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000472:pathogenicity*