Decolonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using oral vancomycin and topical mupirocin

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2002 Oct;8(10):671-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2002.00404.x.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a short course of oral vancomycin and intranasal mupirocin ointment in the eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization. During an outbreak of MRSA, the colonized subjects received oral vancomycin and topical mupirocin. They were screened for MRSA 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after decolonization. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the side-effects of oral vancomycin. Thirty-five subjects were treated. Clearance was achieved in all cases, in 24 (69%) subjects after one course of therapy. Twenty-eight (80%) subjects experienced some side-effects, including six (17%) who did not tolerate oral vancomycin. Although oral vancomycin, in combination with topical mupirocin, is effective in the elimination of MRSA colonization, there is a need for further studies to confirm our results and to evaluate the safety of oral vancomycin.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Administration, Topical
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance / physiology*
  • Mupirocin / administration & dosage
  • Mupirocin / therapeutic use*
  • Ointments / therapeutic use
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage
  • Vancomycin / adverse effects
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use*
  • beta-Lactam Resistance

Substances

  • Ointments
  • Vancomycin
  • Mupirocin