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Commentary

Can mupirocin prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections?

Heiman FL Wertheim* and Margreet C Vos

Author Affiliations

Erasmus MC, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

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Critical Care 2005, 9:257-258 doi:10.1186/cc3720

Published: 5 May 2005

Abstract

In a retrospective study, Dr Muller and colleagues have assessed the efficacy of mupirocin nasal ointment alongside hygienic measures in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Their findings, which suggest that intranasal mupirocin can prevent ICU-related MRSA infections, need confirmation in a well-designed clinical trial. In general: early identification, isolation and treatment of all MRSA carriers, including health care workers, and disinfection of contaminated environments, are the main 'ingredients' of an effective MRSA 'search and destroy' program.