STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Staphylococcus aureus has a long association with nosocomial infection . Problems date from the 1950s, although methicillin-resistant Staphyl ococcus aureus (MRSA) did not emerge until the following decade. Initi ally the pathogenicity of antibiotic-resistant strains was underestima ted, and is still sometimes questioned, but today most authorities con sider MRSA a serious threat, especially given current preoccupation wi th cost-effectiveness within the health service: nosocomial infection is associated with increased expenditure and may be regarded as a hall mark of indifferent nursing and medical care. This review documents th e emergence of MRSA and recognition of the ensuing problems throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with suggestions for nursing activities wh ich could contribute towards improved control. Lessons learnt during o utbreaks are seen to be of value, but there is also a need for staff a t ward level to review routine practice continually so that awareness of activities likely to result in cross-infection is maintained. The u se of protective clothing emerges as less important than handwashing, which may be periodically audited to maintain standards.