Mupirocin Prophylaxis against Nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Nonsurgical Patients A Randomized Study

Background: Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is a major risk factor for nosocomial S. aureus infection. Studies show that intranasal mupirocin can prevent nosocomial surgical site infec-tions. No data are available on the efficacy of mupirocin in non-surgical patients. Objective: To assess the efficacy of mupirocin prophylaxis in preventing nosocomial S. aureus infections in nonsurgical patients. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: 3 tertiary care academic hospitals and 1 nonacademic hospital. Patients: 1602 culture-proven S. aureus carriers hospitalized in nonsurgical departments. Intervention: Therapy with mupirocin 2 % nasal ointment (n 793) or placebo ointment (n 809), twice daily for 5 days, started 1 to 3 days after admission