title: [MRSA infection via a staff member with eczema].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transmission of MRSA from livestock to humans is rare, but it is advisable to remain alert.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following 2 hospital admissions within a month and a half, a 73-year-old patient was found to have become infected with MRSA. The MRSA type was livestock-related. Investigations into contact between the patient and staff revealed that 3 staff members were infected with the same bacteria; one of them had eczema on both hands. Her daughter, who worked intensively with horses, was revealed to be a carrier of the same type of MRSA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to prevent cross-contamination with MRSA it is essential to comply completely with hand hygiene requirements; this also applies to members of staff with skin infections such as eczema. Patient-related activities should be adapted if necessary. The company doctor plays an important role in this process.
authors.affiliation: Gelre ziekenhuizen, afd. Medische Microbiologie en Infectiepreventie, Apeldoorn.
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Overbeek
authors.forename: W E A
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Maathuis-de Haan
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stoffer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004485:Eczema / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D015047:Zoonoses