Here are seven stories and studies on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that have been covered by Becker's Hospital Review in the last few months, beginning with the most recent.
1. Healthcare workers and infection preventionists are not the only ones who should focus efforts on reducing MRSA infections; hospital CFOs should also be concerned with preventing this costly condition. Read more.
2. Conducting twice-yearly mass nasal screenings on hemodialysis patients who are at high risk for MRSA in an area of low MRSA endemicity may not be cost-effective, according to recent research. Read more.
3. The bacterial culprit behind Staph infections stealthily resides in the noses and mouths of most humans. A study suggests that some of the other microscopic inhabitants of our nasal cavities may provide valuable defense in edging out their harmful neighbors, Staphylococcus auerus. Read more.
4. Over-bed tables, bed rails, other flat surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns tend to be the surfaces in a hospital room that are most contaminated with MRSA, according to this infographic. Read more.
5. Nanoengineers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a potential treatment for skin and wound infections caused by MRSA. Read more.
6. Bathing patients with chlorhexidine is slightly more effective than using contact precautions in preventing the spread of MRSA, according to a recent study. Read more.
7. Both the VA and HCA have implemented infection prevention initiatives in the last decade that have dramatically reduced MRSA rates in their respective facilities. Read more.