Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged as a clinically relevant human pathogen more than five decades ago. The virulent bacterium was first detected in hospitals and other health care facilities where vulnerable hosts, frequent exposure to the selective pressure of intensive antimicrobial therapy, and the necessity for invasive procedures created a favorable environment for dissemination. MRSA emerged as an important cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly central line-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical site infection (SSI). Despite the adoption of infection-control measures, the incidence of MRSA infection at most U.S. hospitals steadily increased for many years, but it is now decreasing. While the decrease in the incidence of MRSA infection may be due to efforts to screen for MRSA carriage, it may also be due to secular trends (such as efforts to improve patient safety) and to confounders (such as efforts to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics and to decrease healthcare-associated infections in general, including catheter-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and SSI). A number of analyses suggest that MRSA infections are associated with increased mortality and cost of care when compared with those due to strains that are susceptible to methicillin. Even the availability of newer pharmaceutical agents with specific activity against MRSA has not ameliorated the challenge of caring for patients with MRSA. The widespread use of these agents has been limited, in part due to toxicity, cost, and uncertainty as to optimal indications. The management and control of MRSA have been further complicated by dramatic changes in the epidemiology of transmission and infection observed over the past two decades. Specifically, S. aureus strains resistant to methicillin, once exclusively linked to hospital care, have increasingly been detected among patients in the community who lack conventional risk factors for MRSA infection. Community-acquired MRSA has been linked to outbreaks of infection in hospitals and health care facilities. Conventional strategies for the control of MRSA have focused on the prevention of spread from patient to patient. The effectiveness of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of MRSA has been demonstrated in observational studies in which hand hygiene promotion campaigns were associated with subsequent reductions in the incidence of MRSA among hospitalized patients. While hand hygiene remains important in the effort to control MRSA transmission, the continued spread of the pathogen after its initial introduction in most facilities has prompted efforts to identify additional strategies. The use of contact isolation-including the donning of gowns and gloves when interacting with patients colonized or infected with MRSA and the assignment of such patients to single rooms or to a room with a group of affected patients-has been widely promoted and adopted. Such isolation precautions now are the centerpiece of most authoritative guidelines for MRSA control. Despite the broad consensus associated with the use of contact isolation for MRSA prevention, the specific evidence in support of this practice remains limited and indirect. The objective of this review was to synthesize comparative studies that examined the benefits or harms of screening for MRSA carriage in the inpatient or outpatient settings. The review examined MRSA-screening strategies applied to all hospitalized or ambulatory patients, as well as screening strategies applied to selected inpatient or outpatient populations, and compared them with no screening or with screening of selected patient populations. The review evaluated MRSA-screening strategies that included screening with or without isolation and with or without attempted eradication/decolonization.

Staphylococcus was first recognized as a human pathogen in 1880 and was named for its grape cluster-like appearance. In 1884, Staphylococcus aureus was identified and named for its vibrant golden color, which was later found to be the result of golden toxin production. Here, experts examine in-depth patterns of S. aureus colonization and exposures in humans, mammals, and birds that have led to the development of various clinical diseases. The mode of transmission of S. aureus and different methods for its detection in different samples are defined. Conventional antibiotic options to treat this aggressive, multifaceted, and readily adaptable pathogen are becoming limited. Alternative, novel chemotherapeutics to target S. aureus are discussed in the pages within, including herbal medicines, bee products, and modes of delivery.

This book provides a survey of recent advances in the development of antibiofilm agents for clinical and environmental applications. The fact that microbes exist in structured communities called biofilms has slowly become accepted within the medical community. We now know that over 80% of all infectious diseases are biofilm-related; however, significant challenges still lie in our ability to diagnose and treat these extremely recalcitrant infections. Written by experts from around the globe, this book offers a valuable resource for medical professionals seeking to treat biofilm-related disease, academic and industry researchers interested in drug discovery and instructors who teach courses on microbial pathogenesis and medical microbiology.

Bacteriophages: Practical Applications for Nature's Biocontrol' presents the latest information on uses in healthcare settings as well as animal husbandry, management and care of farm animals by using enhanced phages to replace antibiotics for growth promotion in animal feed or to prevent, control and treat disease in animals. The book will provide an overview of the function of phages and what researchers need to know, from phage hunting to laboratory design, management, production and application using different tools and methods. These key aspects will be discussed through a series of dedicated chapters, with topics covering auditing, validation, data analysis, microbial identification, culture media, and contamination control, etc.

This concise guide brings orthopaedic surgeons and paediatricians up to date with the latest developments in the management of bone and joint (osteoarticular) infections in children. Beginning with an introduction to the causes and development of osteoarticular disorders, the following chapters discuss their clinical features, laboratory diagnosis and treatment options, both surgical and conservative. Each chapter describes a different infection and its management, with a separate chapter examining drug-resistant osteoarticular tuberculosis and co-infection with HIV. The final section discusses advances and research in the condition. Key points Concise guide to the diagnosis and management of bone and joint infections in children Each chapter discusses a different infection and covers conservative and surgical treatment Final chapter describes new advances and research Includes more than 150 full colour images and illustrations

Find fast answers to inform your daily diagnosis and treatment decisions! Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2021 uses the popular "5 books in 1" format to deliver vast amounts of information in a clinically relevant, user-friendly manner. This bestselling reference has been significantly updated to provide you with easy access to answers on 1,000 common medical conditions, including diseases and disorders, differential diagnoses, clinical algorithms, laboratory tests, and clinical practice guidelines—all carefully reviewed by experts in key clinical fields. Extensive algorithms, along with hundreds of new figures and tables, ensure that you stay current with today's medical practice. Contains significant updates throughout, covering all aspects of current diagnosis and treatment. Features 27 all-new topics including chronic rhinosinusitis, subclinical brain infarction, reflux-cough syndrome, radiation pneumonitis, catatonia, end-stage renal disease, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, among others. Includes new appendices covering common herbs in integrated medicine and herbal activities against pain and chronic diseases; palliative care; and preoperative evaluation. Offers online access to Patient Teaching Guides in both English and Spanish.