If a positive MRSA screening result is found, decolonisation should be aimed at. Prior to decolonisation, doctors must check whether decolonisation is indicated and promising, however. The individual situation of the patient must be considered (e.g. presence of factors that inhibit decolonisation). Before surgical/invasive interventions and during intensive medical treatments, it is recommended to decolonise MRSA-positive patients, even if decolonisation-inhibiting factors exist.
Decolonisation should be performed as part of a bundle of measures including decolonisation of the nose, throat and skin as well as disinfection measures of the environment.
Background:
Colonisation with MRSA poses a potential risk of infection to the patient. This risk can be mitigated by decolonisation. Furthermore, the probability of MRSA transmission to other patients and medical staff can be lowered.
References:
Recommendation on the prevention and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (MRSA) in medical and nursing facilities. KRINKO (2014) Empfehlungen zur Prävention und Kontrolle von Methicillin-resistenten Staphylococcus aureus-Stämmen (MRSA) in medizinischen und pflegerischen Einrichtungen. Bundesgesundheitsbl. 57: 696-732.
