Researchers have found that wearing gloves and gowns in intensive care units does not reduce overall rates of acquiring MRSA or VRE, a study published online by JAMA has revealed.
Bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are the primary causes of health care-associated infections. And these, as the study notes, are the most common complication of hospital care, affecting an estimated 5% of inpatients.
The study also records that the cost of antibiotic-resistance in the US is estimated at more than $4 billion per year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 in 3 people carry the Staphylococcus bacteria in their noses, usually without any ill-effects.
However, two in 100 people carry the antibiotic-resistant strain - MRSA. In health care settings, MRSA infections are more serious and potentially life-threatening, as the bacteria can enter the bloodstream through surgical sites.
No comments:
Post a Comment