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Updated: May 26, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
MRSA eradication in dermatologic outpatients - theory and practice
Volker Meyer1, Nina Kerk, Alexander Mellmann
1Clinic and Polyclinic for Skin Diseases, Münster University Hospital, Germany.
Background:
The dissemination of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing challenge in medical care. Apart from hospital acquired MRSA, there has also been an increase in community acquired and livestock associated MRSA. While the risks of MRSA (e. g. wound infections) and consequences (e. g. rejection of patients) are well known, there are little data on the effectiveness of eradication procedures.
Patients And Methods:
32 patients with proven MRSA colonization were monitored during eradication for the following aspects: (1) localization of MRSA (swabs from hairline, anterior nares, throat, axillae, groins, perineum, and wounds, if present), (2) presence of eradication-impairing factors, (3) length of time needed for eradication, (4) cost of eradication, (5) molecular fingerprint and risk assessment (spa-types).
Results:
We describe the successful eradication of MRSA in all 32 patients. Most positive nasal swabs were obtained from the anterior nares and the throat and only rarely from the hairline or axillae. The greater the number of positive swabs, the more time was needed for eradication. In most patients (37.5%), eradication with topical antiseptics was successful. The average time for eradication was 12.97 (± 7.6) days. Twelve patients required systemic antibiotic therapy. Treatment costs associated with the use of systemic antibiotics were significantly higher. The most frequent spa types were t032 and t003.
Conclusions:
We report successful MRSA eradication in outpatients. Systemic antibiotics are unnecessary in the majority of patients. A combined anti-MRSA strategy for inpatients and outpatients is recommended.
Insights
Successful eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was achieved in all 32 patients, primarily using topical antiseptics. Systemic antibiotics were often unnecessary, indicating a cost-effective approach to MRSA decolonization.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing threat in healthcare settings, with increasing prevalence in community and livestock-associated strains.
- While MRSA risks and consequences are known, data on effective eradication strategies are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and parameters of MRSA eradication procedures in colonized patients.
- To identify factors influencing eradication time and cost.
Main Methods:
- 32 patients with confirmed MRSA colonization were monitored during eradication.
- Data collected included MRSA localization (swabs), eradication-impairing factors, time, cost, and molecular typing (spa-types).
Main Results:
- Successful MRSA eradication was achieved in all 32 patients.
- Topical antiseptics were effective in 37.5% of cases; average eradication time was 12.97 days.
- Systemic antibiotic therapy was required for some patients and incurred significantly higher costs.
Conclusions:
- MRSA eradication is feasible in outpatient settings.
- Systemic antibiotics are not always necessary, suggesting topical treatments are often sufficient.
- A unified MRSA eradication strategy for both inpatient and outpatient settings is recommended.
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