Peter J Robb1, Justin Bendig. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7EG, UK. peter.robb@esth.nhs.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common pathogen implicated in hospital acquired infection. Routine preoperative screening for MRSA is current health policy in England and Wales, although children undergoing elective, routine ENT surgery are excluded from this policy. We prospectively assessed a cohort of children admitted for elective ENT surgery to assess this policy. METHODS: We examined 348 pre-operative children having routine ENT operations to assess MRSA carriage. RESULTS: We found bacteriological evidence of MRSA in only one child of the 348 tested. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the current policy and has implications for other countries.
OBJECTIVES:Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common pathogen implicated in hospital acquired infection. Routine preoperative screening for MRSA is current health policy in England and Wales, although children undergoing elective, routine ENT surgery are excluded from this policy. We prospectively assessed a cohort of children admitted for elective ENT surgery to assess this policy. METHODS: We examined 348 pre-operative children having routine ENT operations to assess MRSA carriage. RESULTS: We found bacteriological evidence of MRSA in only one child of the 348 tested. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the current policy and has implications for other countries.
Authors: Ritu Kapoor; Christopher J Barnett; Rebecca M Gutmann; Vedat O Yildiz; Nicholas C Joseph; Nicoleta Stoicea; Stephan Reyes; Barbara M Rogers Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2014-11-03