Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: colonization and infection in a long-term care facility

Article Abstract:

Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism that is a frequent cause of infection, particularly in hospitals. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), as its name implies, is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, and must therefore be treated with antibiotics that are expensive and toxic. MRSA is being found in patients in long-term care facilities. The organism can either colonize or infect a patient. A colonized patient carries the organism, but shows no signs of infection, such as fever, pus at the site, or an elevated white blood cell count. A study of the prevalence of MRSA colonization in a nursing home over a one-year period was done to assess the risk for infection in the patients. The average monthly rate for colonization was found to be 23 percent, with the most common sites of colonization being the nostrils or wounds. The more debilitated the patient, the more likely he was to be colonized with MRSA. Only 9 of the 341 patients (3 percent) studied over the course of the year developed infection with MRSA. In acute care hospitals, MRSA infection or colonization generally results in the patient being placed in some sort of isolation room. In a nursing home, where socialization and interaction are encouraged, isolating patients with MRSA would be nearly impossible. Whether eradication of MRSA colonization will result in eradication of MRSA infection remains to be seen. Identifying which patients might be at greatest risk for infection and then treating them when they are colonized might prove to be the most useful strategy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Usage, Cases, Long-term care facilities, Long term care facilities

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: do we just have to live with it?

Article Abstract:

Once methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is established in a hospital, is difficult to eradicate. It is occasionally carried by health care workers, and often remains in a reservoir of the chronically ill. Furthermore, many health care professionals regard this pathogen as more of a nuisance than a danger. Some strategies have been designed to try to eradicate MRSA, including treating carriers with the topical antibiotic mupirocin, strict isolation of infected patients, and vigorously enforcing handwashing by staff and visitors. One of the major obstacles to overcome is changing the attitude of hospital personnel, making them take more precautions to reduce the spread of MRSA. This particular strain is more easily eradicated than penicillin-resistant S.aureus; epidemics can be stopped and can also be prevented. While MRSA is becoming more prevalent, it need not be permitted to become a universal pathogen. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Prevention, Epidemics, editorial

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Mupirocin prophylaxis against nosocomial staphylococcus aureus infections in nonsurgical patients

Article Abstract:

Assessment of the efficacy of mupirocin prophylaxis in preventing nosocomial staphylococcus aureus infections in nonsurgical patients by using placebo-controlled trials is described. The results reveal that a total of 77% of staphylococcus (S) aureus nosocomial infections were endogenous and that subsequent mupirocin application does not provide effective prophylaxis against nosocomial S. aureus infections in nonsurgical patients.

United States, Science & research, Research, Antibiotics, Drug therapy, Dosage and administration, Nosocomial infections, Cross infection, Antibiotic prophylaxis

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