Lessons to learn with the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus control in Norway

• Published in: The Brazilian journal of infectious diseases Vol. 15; no. 6; pp. 591 - 593
• Main Authors: Almeida Cruz, Elaine Drehmer de, Pimenta, Fabiana Cristina, Andersen, Bjorg Marit, Gir, Elucir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Elsevier Editora Ltda 01-11-2011; Contexto; Elsevier
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; Cross infection; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Drug resistance in microorganisms; Health aspects; hospital infection epidemiological surveillance; Humans; Infection Control - methods; Medical personnel; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Norway - epidemiology; Nosocomial infections; Population Surveillance - methods; Prevalence; Prevention; resistance to methicillin; Staphylococcal Infections - diagnosis; Staphylococcal Infections - epidemiology; Staphylococcal Infections - prevention & control; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus aureus infections; Norway; Brazil; resistance to methicillin; Staphylococcus aureus; hospital infection epidemiological surveillance
• ISSN: 1413-8670; 1678-4391
• DOI: 10.1016/S1413-8670(11)70256-2

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Norway is low, compared to other European and American countries. The health system includes mandatory case reporting and has written guidelines for prevention and control. This communication describes the national public policies related to MRSA obtained from documents and academic experience gained during a doctoral fellowship in Oslo, Norway. The painstaking procedures used for investigating suspected cases, including health professionals, decolonization and case monitoring, could be important tools to be used by countries with a high prevalence of MRSA.