Question
I recently read about a case of Staphylococcus at my child's school. Upon further research on the internet, I have seen news reports that there are "resistant" forms of this bacterium that are causing issues in the US and abroad. I follow general infect
Answer
The recent outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) serves as a reminder to speech-language pathologists of the importance of infection control in the clinical environment. MRSA is a type of bacterium resistant to certain antibiotics including methicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin (CDC, 2007). In the past, this genetic mutation of Staphylococcus has typically manifested as a nosocomial infection (i.e. hospital or health-care facility acquired); apparently, it has found its way into the general population.
The main mode of MRSA transmission is through direct or indirect contact with the hands. Hand hygiene is the single most important activity that audiologists can do to minimize the potential spread of MRSA. Washing hands with liquid, medical grade soap and water must occur immediately prior to the patient appointment, throughout the patient appointment as needed, immediately upon the removal of gloves, and at the end of the patient appointment. If access to a sink with running water is not available, the use of no-rinse hand degermers serves as an appropriate alternative to traditional hand washing. Beyond hand hygiene, speech-language pathologists are legally and ethically obligated to uphold the federally mandated infection control standards issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and formalized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
For more detailed information, speech-language pathologists are referred to the resource "Infection Control for Speech-Language Pathology" by Bankaitis, Kemp, Krival, and Bandaranayake. This book may be ordered through Oaktree Products toll free at 800.347.1960.
References
CDC (2007) Healthcare-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA). Available: www.cdc.gov/
Bankaitis, A.U., Kemp, R.J., Krival, K., Bandaranayake, D. (2005). Infection Control for Speech-Language Pathology, St. Louis, MO: Auban, Inc.
A.U. Bankaitis is Vice President and General Manager of Oaktree Products. She is an audiologist with a niche expertise in the area of infection control as it pertains to the professionals of audiology and speech-language pathology.
