Methicillin-Sensitive and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Preventing Surgical Site Infections Following Plastic Surgery

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of surgical site infections (SSI), with both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant strains causing these infections. The incidence of methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) has increased in the US over the past decade, largely due to the emergence of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). This article reviews the microbiology and epidemiology of methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA) and MRSA, risk factors for surgical site infections among plastic surgery patients, the evidence supporting preoperative screening and decolonization measures to prevent surgical site infections caused by MRSA, recommendations for anti-microbial prophylaxis, and treatment recommendations for surgical site infections. Other proven methods of reducing SSI, including maintenance of normothermia during surgery, glucose control, cessation of nicotine use, and not shaving the surgical site preoperatively are discussed.