Detection of Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci on the Gowns and Gloves of Healthcare Workers

Abstract

The gloves and gowns of HCWs frequently become contaminated with MRSA and VRE during the routine care of patients, and particularly during care of the patient's respiratory tract and any associated indwelling devices. As part of a larger infection control strategy, including high-compliance hand disinfection, they likely provide a useful barrier to transmitting antibiotic-resistant organisms among patients in an inpatient setting.