Routine screening of women having caesarean section for MRSA: Ritual or rational?

Abstract

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant global problem. One response to the growing threat of this organism has been the introduction of routine screening of patients before admission to hospital. In midwifery, this has been applied to those undergoing caesarean section, and although these women are at low-risk of hospital-associated MRSA, one rationale for continuing this policy could be that it identifies cases of community-associated MRSA. This audit was undertaken to determine local compliance with MRSA screening in the maternity setting, and the utility of routine screening in one London Hospital. The prevalence of MRSA was 2.8% in those having elective caesarean sections and 1.1% in emergency cases. Although staff generally understood the need for screening, significant barriers included consent, time and material constraints. Given the low prevalence and risk of severe infection in this generally healthy group; it is recommended that routine screening be stopped.