Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections: Beware of Fomites?

In a two-site, prospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional study, risk for recurrence was significantly associated with prior hospitalization and with use of a contaminated fomite.

The reasons for recurrence after an initial Staphylococcus aureus skin infection are poorly understood. Although nasal colonization has been postulated as one etiology, particularly in hospitalized patients, no strong correlation has been demonstrated in community-acquired cases. Other possibilities include acquisition from household contacts or from fomites.

To shed light on this issue, researchers in Los Angeles and Chicago performed a prospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional investigation involving children and adults with culture-proven S. aureus skin infections between August 2008 and June 2010 and their household contacts. Within 21 days of enrollment, research personnel conducted a home visit to obtain swab specimens for culture fro…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections: Beware of Fomites?

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Reviewing Author