Antibiotic can help reduce surgical wound infection rates - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  Sept, 2002  

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Mupirocin, an antibiotic ointment, has been found to cut the rate of surgical wound and hospital-based infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in half when smeared inside the noses of surgical patients, according to a June 12, 2002, news release from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. This bacteria normally is present in the nostrils of 25% to 30% of all hospital patients and does not necessarily cause them harm. It can, however, contaminate surgical sites and cause severe, even deadly, infections. These types of infections contribute millions of dollars to the annual cost of health care.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Iowa determined the rate of Staphylococcus aureus infections in 4,030 adult surgical patients. These patients received either mupirocin or a placebo applied to the inside of the nostrils twice per day for up to five days before their procedure. They were followed for 30 days after surgery to determine the prevalence of infection.

According to the release, researchers discovered that a short, carefully planned mupirocin treatment cut infection rates in half and did not appear to contribute to antibiotic resistance. They do warn, however, that as with any antibiotic, there is the possibility of widespread resistance and that use of the medication should be selective.

Nasal Antibiotic Ointment Reduces Infection Risk After Surgery (news release, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Medico/Institutions, June 12, 2002) http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2002/June/020612A.htm (accessed 24 June 2002).

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group