Update on screening and clinical diagnosis of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Based on the failure of conventional control strategies, some experts and public health officials have promoted active screening to detect asymptomatic carriers of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as an effective prevention strategy. Data regarding the (cost-) effectiveness of MRSA screening have recently grown and have produced mixed results. Several clinical studies have not only provided conflicting findings but have also raised numerous issues about the appropriate populations for universal versus targeted screening, screening method(s) and intervention(s). It must also be emphasised that screening alone is not effective. Results should be followed by appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of MRSA transmission and infection. We believe a reasonable approach in most European hospitals with an MRSA on-admission prevalence of