Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A continuing infection control challenge

The ability of MRSA and other staphylococci to colonize, persist, and adapt to multiple environmental and tissue conditions has allowed for these bacteria to be virtually ubiquitous in their distribution. The effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillin, has continued to decline against infections caused by MRSA and increasingly resistant strains. The challenge for both dental and medical health professionals is to routinely apply proven, evidence-based infection control precautions. As mentioned earlier in this discussion, when compliance with effective aseptic technique practices improves, the patients and environments. Ensure that reusable equipment is not used for the care of another patient until it has been appropriately cleaned and reprocessed and that single-use items are properly discarded. Clean and disinfect clinical contact surfaces that are not barrier-protected by using an environmental protection agency-registered hospital disinfectant with a low- (ie, HIV and HBV label claims) to intermediate-level (ie, tuberculocidal claim) activity after each patient. When the surface is visibly contaminated with blood, an intermediate-incidence of detectable infections can be reduced. Microorganisms will continue to evolve and adapt in order to survive and thrive, sometimes at the expense of susceptible human hosts. The struggle is to constantly remain aware of impending infectious threats which may challenge current precautions, and maintain and improve the quality of infection control to minimize the potential for disease.