MicrobeWorld

Controversies in Managing MRSA Infections: To Screen or Not to Screen?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to be a major cause of hospital-acquired infections, and these infections can often be difficult and expensive to treat.  One strategy to reduce MRSA infection rates in the healthcare setting is the screening of patients for nasal or throat colonization and isolating patients to control spread of the bacteria.  Many states have already enacted laws mandating screening of certain patients.   Do these policies actually help reduce the incidence of disease or do they just drive up healthcare costs?  Presenters in this press conference discuss the latest research on both sides of this issue.

• Lance Peterson, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States

• John Boyce, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT, United States