A major culprit in cross-infection in all types of healthcare facilities is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is endemic in tertiary referral hospitals in the developed world. The first Australian isolation was made at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) in Sydney, Australia, in 1965. 

So what is MRSA and how can we stop the spread of this potentially deadly nosocomial (hospital acquired) pathogen that has become resistant to so many antibiotics? It is a problem particularly for susceptible patients: neonates, immune suppressed and those undergoing surgical procedures. It can cause infection in wounds, urinary tract, blood and lungs to name but a few sites in the body.

Staphylococcus aureus, which ordinarily lives in the nose and skin of humans, is a harmless berry-shaped (cocci) organism, find out how you can stop the spread with simple strategies like

thoroughly wash all parts of your hands with soap and running water for 10-15 seconds 

• before & after touching/dressing an infected area
• after going to the toilet
• after blowing your nose
• before handling or eating food
• after touching or handling unwashed clothing or linen
• CA Sharp, Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in residents who died with pressure ulcers in residential aged care facilities. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2024 - ajmsjournal.info

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/methicillin-resistant.aspx

Mary A. Beard, Alison McIntyre & Phyllis M Rountree. Sphygmomanometers as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria. MJA 1969