Risk Factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Use of a Nasal Mupirocin Ointment in Oral Cancer Inpatients

Beginning in 1999, we implemented a strategy for reducing infection by MRSA that included nasal mupirocin ointment for patients at high risk of MRSA; since then, the detection rate has decreased. We suggest that the administration of nasal mupirocin ointment and provision of scrupulous hygienic care for high-risk patients are useful and effective measures for decreasing the incidence of MRSA infection.