METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS (MRSA) - A REAPPRAISAL OFCONTROL MEASURES IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains an importan t nosocomial pathogen and the number of affected patients is rising. I ncreasing numbers of patients at risk of acquisition, inadequate isola tion facilities, problems in identifying the source of outbreaks and t he perception amongst some clinical colleagues that control measures a re too disruptive have contributed to the problems faced by infection control teams. Recent controlled studies indicate that MRSA is no less virulent than sensitive strains and emphasize the continuing need for control measures even where MRSA is endemic. Efforts to control sprea d should be targeted to key clinical areas, such as intensive care uni ts, where the impact of infection is likely to be greatest, whilst gen eral infection control measures should be strengthened throughout the hospital.