METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AS A DANGEROUS NOSOCOMIAL PATHOGEN

Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens. MRSA is often resistant to other antibiotics and represents a challenge for a modern antimicrobial therapy, particularly since the emergence of strains with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin. In this article the microbiology and epidemiology of MRSA in the world and in Slovenia are reviewed. The prevalence of MRSA in Slovenia is high. In addition, modes of MRSA transmission and control measures are described.Conclusions. The most common route of transmission in the hospital is via hands of the health care personnel. With implementation of adequate control measures it is possible to prevent spread of MRSA. The most important measure is to replace hand washing with alcohol hand rub in most occasions. Other important measures include active search for colonized and infected persons, contact isolation, decolonization and regular sampling of epidemiological data. With a good designed national program it would be possible to achieve better control over the MRSA spread in Slovenia.