Nasal Staphylococcus aureus Carriage and Risk for Surgical Site Infections, Revisited

In a large, prospective, multicenter study, only a minority of S. aureus infections after orthopedic surgery were linked to nasal colonization.

Previous studies have shown a small but significant additional risk for surgical-site infections (SSIs) among patients who undergo surgery and have Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization. Because SSIs that affect orthopedic implants are especially devastating, some orthopedists have suggested S. aureus decolonization procedures before surgery to minimize SSI risk. A recent study, however, challenged the association between nasal colonization and SSIs.

To investigate this issue further, researchers in France conducted a prospective, 17-center study of SSIs among consecutive patients who underwent orthopedic surgery between June 2003 and January 2007 (n=3908). Nasal samples for culture were obtained from all patients on admission; S. aureus …

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection