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Effect of rifampin and bacitracin on nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus
Abstract:
Anterior nares cultures from 664 hospital personnel identified 165 (24.8%) as carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. Persistent carriers (17.8%) were identified and randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: rifampin (600 mg once a day for 5 days), bacitracin ointment (topically applied three times a day for 10 days), combined rifampin and bacitracin, and control (no treatment). Bacitracin ointment was ineffective in eliminating S. aureus from the anterior nares and had a postreatment carrier rate equal to the control rate. Rifampin therapy caused a highly significant reduction (79%) in carriage; however, combined therapy was not as effective as treatment with rifampin alone. Of 132 strains of staphylococci isolated before and after treatment, all were susceptible to less than 0.016 micrograms of rifampin per ml. This study demonstrates that rifampin may be an effective antistaphylococcal antibiotic and could be used to control the carrier state in high-risk situations.
Insights
Rifampin effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in hospital personnel by 79%. Bacitracin was ineffective, highlighting rifampin
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is a significant concern in healthcare settings.
- Identifying and treating persistent carriers is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rifampin and bacitracin in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among hospital personnel.
Main Methods:
- Anterior nares cultures were performed on 664 hospital personnel.
- Persistent carriers were randomized into four treatment groups: rifampin, bacitracin, combined therapy, or control.
- Post-treatment cultures assessed carriage rates.
Main Results:
- Rifampin therapy significantly reduced S. aureus carriage by 79%.
- Bacitracin ointment was ineffective, showing no difference from the control group.
- Combined rifampin and bacitracin therapy was less effective than rifampin alone.
Conclusions:
- Rifampin is a highly effective antibiotic for eradicating Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage.
- Rifampin can be a valuable tool for controlling S. aureus in high-risk situations.
- Bacitracin is not effective for eliminating nasal S. aureus carriage.