Bacitracin versus mupirocin for Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1999 May;20(5):351-3. doi: 10.1086/501633.

Abstract

We performed a randomized prospective study of 5-day treatment with topical mupirocin or bacitracin for the elimination of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in healthcare workers (HCWs). Nasal cultures were obtained from 141 HCWs, 37 (26%) of whom showed S. aureus. After 72 to 96 hours of treatment, the organism was eradicated in 15 (94%) of 16 by mupirocin and in 8 (44%) of 18 by bacitracin (P = .0031). Similar efficacy was demonstrated at 30 days. Mupirocin may be more effective than bacitracin for eradication of S. aureus in healthy HCWs.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bacitracin / therapeutic use*
  • Carrier State / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Mupirocin / therapeutic use*
  • Nasal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacitracin
  • Mupirocin