Who, when and how: Screening for MRSA

Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains one of the foremost hospital acquired pathogens. Patients colonised or infected with MRSA provide a reservoir within hospitals, although infection prevention and control measures minimise the risk of transmission. Although there is broad agreement on the control measures required for patients colonised or infected with MRSA, there is considerable controversy over who, when and how to screen for the bacteria. John Coia, a consultant microbiologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, discusses when screening may be appropriate, how it should be carried out, and the best strategy for decolonisation. Read the full article: http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g1697