Via practica 3/2012

Prophylaxis of MRSA infections after cardiothoracic surgery – in the primary care

Although the incidence of deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) is relatively low, these infections are associated with high morbidity, mortality and significant financial expenses. The incidence of DSWI varies between 0,5-2,7%, with Staphylococcus aureus being the causative pathogen in half of the cases. Moreover, there is an increasing proportion of infections caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in cardiosurgery during the last two decades. Since antimicrobial therapy of MRSA infections is still suboptimal, it is important to elaborate and implement strategies for prevention of staphylococcal and especially MRSA infections after cardiothoracic surgery.

Keywords: wound infection, carriage of MRSA, decolonisation, prophylaxis, resistance