[Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A problem also in Sweden]

Outbreaks of endemic MRSA are extremely rare in Swedish hospitals. During 1983-1996 209 patients with MRSA were identified at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg. Retrospective DNA typing showed that 51 different strains were involved. Between 1990-1996 there was an increase in the number of imported MRSA-infected patients, probably a reflection of the situation in surrounding high prevalence countries. In addition four endemic outbreaks occurred during the 1990s involving a total of 121 patients, mainly in units for intensive care and urology. For effective control of MRSA, standard precautions should include the use of plastic aprons and hand disinfectants (70 per cent alcohol) when nursing patients with wounds, urinary catheter etc regardless of MRSA-status.