title: [Screening for MRSA: unnecessary, expensive and potentially harmful].
abstract: Screening for MRSA and isolation of colonized patients have been largely advocated as a measure to reduce MRSA transmission and infection. However, the evidence for the efficacy of this strategy is poor, while costs and potential side effects are considerable. Therefore, screening should not longer be considered as an appropriate measure to control spread of MRSA.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Innere Medizin I der Uniklinik Köln.
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fätkenheuer
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics