A Staphylococcal Disease Outbreak in a Dermatologic Service: Bacteriological Studies; Effect of Prior Systemic Therapy

There are many recent publications describing the varying facets of staphylococcal outbreaks occurring in nurseries and on surgical and medical wards in hospitals. 1,2 No publications have appeared, to the best of our knowledge, however, relating to the bacteriology of such disease in dermatologic wards. This report describes an outbreak, mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Strain 80, 81, which was prevalent for more than 6 months on such a service. Analysis of factors related to the development of staphylococcal disease has been made previously in the absence of comprehensive bacteriological studies. 2 An attempt is made to ascertain the importance of patients, personnel, and environment in the spread of Strain 80, 81. Material and Methods The dermatology service of Bellevue Hospital consists of 3 wards, each located on a different floor. Wards R-2 and R-4 are for men, while Ward R-3 is for women. Each ward has its own bath,