Screening for MRSA on Hospital Admission

Screening for MRSA on hospital admission was associated with a sustained decrease in nosocomial MRSA infections.

Universal screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on hospital admission has been recommended by experts and lawmakers as a means to reduce MRSA infections. However, research examining the effect of this strategy is very limited. In a recent prospective cohort study conducted at a 1400-bed university hospital in Germany, researchers investigated whether screening of patients on admission to ICUs and adult surgical wards might reduce the incidence of MRSA infections hospital-wide.

In July 2004, admission screening for MRSA carriage was implemented using standard culture methods. MRSA-positive patients were isolated and decontaminated. A time-series analysis was used to compare the number of patients with MRSA infection…

Reviewing Author

Lynn L. Estes, PharmD

Disclosures

Editorial boardsMayo Clinic Antimicrobial Therapy Quick Guide

Lynn L. Estes, PharmD

Disclosures

Editorial boardsMayo Clinic Antimicrobial Therapy Quick Guide