Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA): Inpatient Decolonization (N/IICU)

What is methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus?

• Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria (germ) normally found on a person's skin and mucous membranes (moist areas of the body, such as inside the mouth). It may cause infections on broken skin or wounds.

• Methicillin is a type of antibiotic that may be used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus Aureus.

• If Staphylococcus aureus can be treated with this antibiotic, then the bacteria is called MSSA. MSSA can be found in both the hospital and the community.

How is MSSA spread?

• MSSA is spread by direct contact. This means that MSSA on hands of patients, visitors, and staff can be spread to other parts of the body and surfaces we touch, such as chairs, bed rails, toys.

• MSSA does not spread through the air.

• Washing hands before touching a patient in the hospital is the best way to prevent spread of MSSA.

Who is most at risk of getting MSSA?

Patients most at risk for getting MSSA include patients who:

• Have invasive devices, such as central line catheters or breathing tubes.

• Have open wounds, such as surgical wounds.

• Require long stays in intensive care units.

• Require long or repeated hospital stays.

What is the difference between colonization and infection?

• When someone has an infection, it means that germs are multiplying and causing symptoms. Usually, the person with an infection feels sick and may have a fever. Antibiotics are often used to help fight infections caused by germs.

• Colonization means that the germs are living somewhere within or on the skin of the body but are not making the person sick. In most cases, being colonized doesn’t make you sick and no treatment is needed.

• If a patient is at a higher risk of getting an infection in the hospital, there is a benefit to try and decrease the amount of MSSA on the skin and mucous membranes. In these cases, even though it is not an infection, the colonization can be treated with a topical antibiotic. 30% of the healthy population is colonized with MSSA.

How is my child being treated for MSSA colonization?

• We will treat your child with mupirocin. This is an antibacterial ointment that is swabbed inside their nose twice a day for 5 days.

• It is not uncommon for recolonization to occur, even if this treatment is successful in the short term.

Why is the hospital concerned about MSSA?

• MSSA does not usually cause a problem but may cause infections in hospitalized patients.

What type of special precautions will be used to prevent the spread of MSSA?

• There are no special precautions needed if your child is positive for MSSA.

• Health care providers should continue to wash their hands before and after touching your child. They will also wash their hands when entering or leaving the room.

• Please feel free to remind staff to clean their hands before and after patient contact.

Who do I talk to if I have more questions?

• Ask your child’s healthcare team.

• If needed, staff from the Infection Prevention and Control Department can help to answer your questions.

Reviewed July 2024 by Ariana Lowe, RN and Kathleen Gibbs, MD