Decolonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using oral vancomycin and topical mupirocin

• Published in: Clinical microbiology and infection Vol. 8; no. 10; pp. 671 - 675
• Main Authors: Maraha, B., Halteren, J. van, Verzijl, J.M., Wintermans, R.G.F, Buiting, A.G.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2002; Blackwell Science Ltd
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; beta-Lactam Resistance; decolonization; Drug Evaluation; Humans; Methicillin Resistance - physiology; MRSA; Mupirocin - administration & dosage; Mupirocin - therapeutic use; Ointments - therapeutic use; Staphylococcal Infections - drug therapy; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; Treatment Outcome; vancomycin; Vancomycin - administration & dosage; Vancomycin - adverse effects; Vancomycin - therapeutic use; vancomycin; decolonization; MRSA
• ISSN: 1198-743X; 1469-0691
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2002.00404.x

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a short course of oral vancomycin and intranasal mupirocin ointment in the eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization. During an outbreak of MRSA, the colonized subjects received oral vancomycin and topical mupirocin. They were screened for MRSA 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after decolonization. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the side-effects of oral vancomycin. Thirty-five subjects were treated. Clearance was achieved in all cases, in 24 (69%) subjects after one course of therapy. Twenty-eight (80%) subjects experienced some side-effects, including six (17%) who did not tolerate oral vancomycin. Although oral vancomycin, in combination with topical mupirocin, is effective in the elimination of MRSA colonization, there is a need for further studies to confirm our results and to evaluate the safety of oral vancomycin.