Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and beyond: what's new in the world of the golden staph?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to plague our hospitals. With the appearance of isolates that are resistant to vancomycin, now, more than ever, we must direct our efforts to controlling its development and spread. New antimicrobials have become available for treatment, but may only be a short-term answer. Our efforts towards control must be directed towards infection control measures such as improved hand hygiene with user-friendly products, such as alcohol-based hand disinfectants. Intranasal mupirocin may have a place in prevention of surgical site infection, although this role has not yet been clearly defined. Other areas where MRSA control may be effected include prudent controlled use of antibiotics, including surgical prophylaxis.