Further Inpatient Care

Many hospitals have implemented screening for methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) infections upon admission to an intensive care unit. Topical decolonization therapy and contact isolation of patients who test positive for MRSA has been shown to decrease MRSA infection rates.^[24]

A nationwide Veterans Administration hospital program of nasal surveillance, contact precautions, and hand hygiene reduced ICU healthcare-associated MRSA infections by 62% and non-ICU healthcare-associated MRSA infections by 45%.^[57]

Nonantibiotic methods to reduce nasal S aureus colonization are emerging. A study by Steed et al showed nasal application of a nonantibiotic alcohol-based antiseptic (Nozin Nasal Sanitizer advanced antiseptic from Global Life Technologies, Corp) was effective in reducing S aureus and total bacterial carriage, suggesting the usefulness of this approach as a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to antibiotic treatment. Seventy-eight of 387 healthcare providers screened (20.2%) tested positive for S aureus infection. Of 39 subjects who tested positive for S aureus infection who completed the study, 20 received antiseptic and 19 received placebo treatment. Antiseptic treatment reduced S aureus colony-forming units from baseline by 99% (median) and 82% (mean) (P< 0.001). Total bacterial colony-forming units were reduced by 91% (median) and 71% (mean) (P< 0.001).^[58]

Complications

Complications of S aureus bacteremia include septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, endocarditis, and pneumonia.

Prognosis

The prognosis of staphylococcal infections varies widely depending on the site of infection and the underlying condition. Overall, the prognosis is good, with full recovery in most patients who receive appropriate therapy.

Patient Education

For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicineHealth's Women's Health Center. Also, see eMedicineHealth's patient education article Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Questions

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Media Gallery

Embolic lesions in patient with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis.
Close-up view of embolic lesions in patient with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis.
Fifty-six-year-old man with erythema, edema, and drainage from below his right eye.
Gram stain in a 70-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis.