Mupirocin, an antibiotic ointment, ...

Mupirocin, an antibiotic ointment, has been construct to cut the rate of surgical pang and hospital-based infections caused at Staphylococcus aureus in half when smeared inside the noses of surgical patients, according to a June 12 2002 moderns release from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. This bacteria normally is ready 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 rigorous even deadly, infections. These stamps of infections contribute millions of dollars to the annual sumptuousness of health care.

Researchers at John Hopkins and the University of Iowa determined the rate of Staphylococcus aureus infections in 4030 adult surgical patients. These patients received either mupirocin or a placebo applied to the inside of the nostrils twice by means of day for up to five days before their act 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 wound 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 brings Infection Risk After Surgery (new release, Baltimore: John Hopkins Medico/Institutions, June 12 2002) http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2002/June/020612A.htm (accessed 24 June 2002)

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating space Nurses, Inc.

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