The oral cavity revealed as a significant reservoir of Staphylococcus aureus in an acute hospital by extensive patient, healthcare worker and environmental sampling

Abstract

The oral cavity comprises a significant nosocomial reservoir for S. aureus that is currently under-appreciated. Oral screening should be considered both in terms of the colonisation pressure in a healthcare facility, and on an individual patient level, especially in patients where decolonisation attempts have repeatedly failed and those undergoing high risk procedures.