Routine antiseptic baths and MRSA decolonization: diverse approaches across Singapore's acute-care hospitals. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hong, F.; Salmon, S.; Ong, X.Y.; Liew, K.; Koh, Y.; Young, A.; Ang, B.; Foo, M.L.; Lee, L.C.; Ling, M.L.; Marimuthu, K.; Pada, S.; Poh, B.F.; Thoon, K.C.; Fisher, D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 112(2021)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: MRSA -- Decolonization -- Singapore -- Active surveillance; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.03.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: To determine the variation in practices on meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surveillance and management of MRSA-colonized patients amongst 17 acute healthcare facilities in Singapore, the Ministry of Health convened a sharing session with Infection Prevention and Control Leads. All hospitals practised close to universal MRSA entry swabbing in keeping with national policy. There were, however, major variations in the response to both positive and negative surveillance swabs across facilities including the role of routine antiseptic bathing and MRSA decolonization. Most undertaking decolonization considered its role to be in 'bioburden reduction' rather than longer-term clearance.