Preoperative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening: An effective method to control MRSA infections on elective orthopaedics wards
Background: Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections continue to increase in UK hospitals despite the introduction of various control measures. These infections have serious clinical and economic implications, particularly in relation to elective orthopaedic surgery. Methods: ...
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Published in | Surgical practice Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 135 - 137 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Melbourne, Australia
Blackwell Publishing Asia
01.11.2006
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Background: Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections continue to increase in UK hospitals despite the introduction of various control measures. These infections have serious clinical and economic implications, particularly in relation to elective orthopaedic surgery.
Methods: A prospective study was performed from August 2003 to July 2004 to assess the effect of preadmission screening and ‘ring fencing’ of beds on the incidence of infection in an elective orthopaedics unit.
Results: The preoperative incidence of MRSA colonization was 2.25% and 53% of these patients had at least one risk factor. There were no postoperative MRSA infections in the ring‐fenced orthopaedic unit.
Conclusions: Preoperative screening and ring fencing reduced the MRSA incidence to zero in the operated patients. Mechanisms need to be developed where screening and isolation of MRSA cases can be performed in most, if not all, hospital admissions. |
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Bibliography: | istex:D37C82939771E1517C9C0DF253B86296B551E327 ArticleID:ASH314 ark:/67375/WNG-9B8MP04M-B |
ISSN: | 1744-1625 1744-1633 |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1744-1633.2006.00314.x |