Nasal decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus in orthopedic surgeons using mupirocin and chlorhexidine

Nasal mucosa colonization by Staphylococcus aureus is a risk factor for hospital-acquired infections. This study examined the effectiveness of a decolonization strategy on orthopedic surgeons in a teaching hospital. S aureus colonization was detected in 43.2% of the surgeons, 25% of which were methicillin-resistant S aureus strains. Eradication was documented in 61.53% of the subjects who completed the decolonization strategy. Among orthopedic...