MRSA and the ICU Environment

Although MRSA contamination of the ICU environment is common, patient acquisition seems to be rare.

Preventing nosocomial transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major healthcare issue. Enhanced cleaning of the hospital environment and improved compliance with hand-hygiene and isolation precautions are recommended as preventive measures, although little information is available on their relative value.

To provide further insight, researchers in London prospectively studied the role of the environment in MRSA transmission at two ICUs. During their 1-year, partially industry-supported investigation, they collected 2436 samples from the environment near 114 ICU patients and another 349 samples from nurses’ and physicians’ hands (both gloved and ungloved) and from telephones.

Fifty-two patients were found to have…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health