MRSA Eradication Policy

• In newly recognised MRSA colonisation (MRSA isolated from the skin or mucous membrane), prescribe as follows (rule out any allergies first):
  • NASAL mupirocin 2% applied to both nostrils three times daily for 5 days. (Do not prescribe in pregnancy or lactation unless considered essential by the physician.)
  • Chlorhexidine gluconate 4% surgical scrub (Hydrex^®) used as soap in bath or shower daily for 5 days. Use also as shampoo 2 days out of 5.
• Re-screen patient at least two days after the end of the decolonisation regimen. The patient should no longer be considered colonised with MRSA when 2 repeat screens, taken every 3 days starting two days after the end of the decolonisation regimen, are negative.
• Contact infection control or microbiology if:
  • Patient has received two previous courses of the decolonisation regimen and is still testing positive.
  • MRSA is isolated from multiple sites, or those in whom colonisation is persistent or recurring.
  • Mupirocin resistant MRSA is isolated 

Guideline reviewed: June 2021

Page updated: March 2022