[Inter- and intrahospital transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]

Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1997 Mar 22;127(12):471-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Occurrence and spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major problem worldwide. The majority of hospitals in Switzerland have not so far been affected by this epidemic. We report two out-breaks of MRSA transmission in the surgical intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Geneva and show the possible inter- and intrahospital dissemination of MRSA. Evidence for cross-infection is confirmed by epidemiological investigation and molecular typing. Infection control measures and general precautions are necessary to halt further spread of MRSA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross Infection*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple
  • Female
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Middle Aged
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / transmission
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Switzerland / epidemiology