Decolonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - effectiveness of decolonization treatment

The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy of decolonization treatments given in Hospital District of Southwest Finland (HDSWF) in 2007-2016 and to analyze the key elements for successful decolonization treatment. Duration of follow-up varied from 12 to 15 months.

All new MRSA cases detected between 2007 and 2016 in HDSWF (population 475,000) and their MRSA follow-up screening results within 12-15 months were retrospectively analyzed. This study focused on the outpatient carriers having received decolonization treatment during the study period.

Of the 983 MRSA cases detected during 2007-2016, 117 carriers went through decolonization treatment. Of those successfully followed up, 72/92 (78.3%) were successfully decolonized. Multisite carriage was a risk factor for unsuccessful decolonization.

Decolonization treatment, including nasal mupirocin, chlorhexidine containing skin washes and in selected cases, also systemic antibiotics, was effective in outpatient settings, resulting in long-term clearance of the MRSA carriage.