Influences of Type and Duration of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis on an Outbreak of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and on the Incidence of Wound Infection

Abstract

Overuse of third-generation cephalosporins for long periods caused an MRSA outbreak. Long-term prophylaxis did not lower infection rates. The briefest possible prophylaxis with first- or second-generation cephalosporins should be used in general surgery.