Staphylococcus aureus nasal decolonization strategies: a review

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health-care costs. Persistent nasal carriage of S. aureus found in 10–30% of the general population, constitutes a risk factor for these infections. Nasal decolonization is one of the used strategies to prevent this risk in some situations.Areas covered: Mupirocin nasal ointment has been used for the nasal decolonization and prevention of staphylococcal infections in various settings like surgeries. However, rising rates of resistance to mupirocin require the development of new decolonization agents. In this review, we will discuss mupirocin, its origins, studies that proved its efficacy and the associated resistance, as well as other decolonization agents under investigation.Expert opinion: As some limitations exist to mupirocin use, further research for alternatives is encouraged. Some old approved antiseptics (chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine) or antibiotics (rifampicin, bacitracin) h...