Rapid molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a cost-effective tool for infection control in critical care?

Control strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in critical care remain debated. Timely detection of MRSA carriers is crucial to an effective isolation policy. In this issue, Harbarth and colleagues report rapid MRSA screening among intensive care unit-admitted patients using a PCR assay. Preemptive isolation for all admissions until screened negative for MRSA was associated with a reduction of intensive care unit-acquired MRSA infections in one of two study units. The data provide preliminary evidence to the effectiveness of a MRSA control strategy combining rapid screening by a molecular method and preventive isolation. Further controlled studies are needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.