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Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; the role of antisepsis in the control of an outbreak
D J Tuffnell1, R S Croton, D M Hemingway
1Department of Microbiology, Warrington District General Hospital, UK.
Abstract:
Between February 1983 and September 1985, an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus involving 151 patients and staff occurred in a district general hospital. At its peak, 43 cases occurred in 3 months. Sixty-two patients suffered morbidity and two died. Conventional isolation techniques and once-daily whole body washing of affected patients with triclosan successfully controlled the outbreak.
Insights
An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) affected 151 people in a hospital. Daily whole body washing with triclosan and isolation successfully controlled the MRSA outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Hospital outbreaks require effective control strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of an MRSA outbreak in a district general hospital.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of conventional isolation and triclosan body washing in controlling the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient and staff data from February 1983 to September 1985.
- Implementation of standard isolation precautions.
- Daily whole-body washing of affected patients with triclosan.
Main Results:
- The outbreak involved 151 patients and staff over a 2-year period.
- A peak of 43 cases occurred within a 3-month period.
- Sixty-two patients experienced morbidity, and two deaths were attributed to the outbreak.
- Combined isolation and triclosan washing successfully controlled the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Conventional isolation combined with daily triclosan whole-body washing is an effective strategy for controlling MRSA outbreaks.
- Prompt implementation of infection control measures is crucial in managing hospital-acquired infections.