Experience with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus at the Nairobi Hospital

The problem of MRSA was recognised in mid year of 1996 among both in and out patients at the Nairobi Hospital. The Infection Control Committee, through the microbiology section of the laboratory, immediately accelerated the surveillance programme which included culturing all the wards, beddings, sinks, utensils, furniture and staff. The source was identified and disinfectant methods were modified to eradicate the infection from the community. Relentless fight against the micro-organism through the recommended methods resulted in no more cases at the end of the year. Nosocomial infections must be recognised by all hospitals which must have viable infection control programmes. The Nairobi hospital has an active and on-going infection control programme which enabled this problem to be identified and solved in a timely manner.