[Screening for MRSA: unnecessary, expensive and potentially harmful]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Epidemiology
• Microbiology

Context:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
• Screening and isolation are common infection control strategies.
• The efficacy of MRSA screening is debated.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the evidence supporting MRSA screening and patient isolation.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness and potential harms of MRSA screening.

Summary:

• Current evidence for the effectiveness of MRSA screening and isolation in reducing transmission and infection is weak.
• The financial costs and potential adverse effects associated with these measures are substantial.

Impact:

• Recommends against the routine use of MRSA screening as an infection control measure.
• Suggests a re-evaluation of current MRSA control strategies based on evidence of efficacy and cost-benefit analysis.