[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial infections: epidemiology, prevention and antibiotic therapy].

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains are particularly representative of the various questions raised by nosocomial infection. The specific ecology of these strains, which is limited to care centers, gives evidence to their nosocomial origin. The mode of spread is mainly clonal by cross-transmission, which emphasizes the importance both of individual hygiene measures and procedures for spread control. Both the incidence and percentage of methicillin-resistant strains are tracers of choice for the local status as regards the risk of nosocomial infection. Multiresistance of most methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains causes therapeutical difficulties, emphasizing the importance of controlling spread of glycopeptide-resistant strains.