[Successful decolonisation of MRSA-positive patients]

The increasing number of patients colonised or infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major clinical and epidemiological problems worldwide. Besides the consistent prevention of further spread of resistant strains, decolonisation of MRSA carriers is crucial to curb the problem. Today, a wide range of highly effective, well-tolerated and relatively cost-effective antiseptics and disinfectants as well as a permanently increasing knowledge about colonization routes and critical points in therapy is available. Nevertheless, the prospects for sustainable decolonisation of carriers has been often evaluated as disappointing, in the past. This shows that a successful, sustainable decolonisation can only succeed if the antiseptic treatment is embedded in a sound overall concept. This article is meant to assist in finding safe, effective and successful decolonisation regimes for inpatient and outpatient MRSA-carriers based on current literature and authors' experience.