MRSA Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about MRSA, including details on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, hospitals, infection, antibiotic resistance, superbugs.

Can mupirocin prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections?

Wertheim HF, Vos MC

Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. h.wertheim@erasmusmc.nl

In a retrospective study, Dr Muller and colleagues have assessed the efficacy of mupirocin nasal ointment alongside hygienic measures in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Their findings, which suggest that intranasal mupirocin can prevent ICU-related MRSA infections, need confirmation in a well-designed clinical trial. In general: early identification, isolation and treatment of all MRSA carriers, including health care workers, and disinfection of contaminated environments, are the main 'ingredients' of an effective MRSA 'search and destroy' program.

Published 30 June 2005 in Crit Care, 9(3): 257-8.
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