Universal Screening and Decolonization for Control of MRSA in Nursing Homes: Follow-up of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: The Journal of hospital infection Vol. 96; no. 1; pp. 69 - 71
• Main Authors: Héquet, Delphine, Rousson, Valentin, Blanc, Dominique S, Büla, Christophe, Qalla-Widmer, Laetitia, Masserey, Eric, Zanetti, Giorgio, Petignat, Christiane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2017
• Subjects: Carrier State - epidemiology; Cross Infection - diagnosis; Cross Infection - epidemiology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infection Control - methods; Infectious Disease; Long-term care facilities; Mass Screening - methods; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus - growth & development; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus - isolation & purification; MRSA; Nursing Homes - statistics & numerical data; Prevalence; Staphylococcal Infections - diagnosis; Staphylococcal Infections - epidemiology; Staphylococcal Infections - prevention & control; Switzerland - epidemiology; Switzerland; long term care facilities; MRSA; Long-term care facilities
• ISSN: 0195-6701; 1532-2939
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.03.019

Abstract In 2010-2011, a trial conducted in nursing homes showed no benefit of MRSA universal screening and decolonization over standard precautions to reduce the prevalence of MRSA carriage. Accordingly, no routine screening was performed from 2012. A 5-year follow-up shows no new evidence supporting the intervention. Recommendations issued after trial (no screening and decolonization of MRSA residents) were retained.