The infection control management of MRSA within the acute care hospital

As a multi-resistant organism, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been recognised as a serious infection control issue throughout the world. Infection with MRSA has been demonstrated to increase length of hospital stay, patient mortality, and, subsequently health costs (Ronk, 1995; Wenzel, Reagan, Bertino, Baron, & Arias, 1998). Many acute care facilities report the endemic presence of MRSA, whilst others describe the occurrence of sporadic disease outbreaks. The timely implementation of effective infection control measures is essential to maintain a low incidence of MRSA cases within the environment and to minimise the magnitude of any outbreaks. Management strategies for the containment and control of cross-transmission of MRSA currently vary between facilities and demonstrate varying levels of effectiveness (Morita, 1993). This review was initiated by clinicians to critically appraise the best available research regarding optimal MRSA infection control practices to manage outbreaks of disease within the acute hospital setting.