An epidemiologic study of postoperative staphylococcal wound infections in patients having vascular procedures.

An epidemic of postoperative wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in 15 patients during a four-month period in 1974 is reported. An unusual staphylococcal antibiogram served as a marker for the multiresistant strain of hospital-acquired infections and raised suspicion of a common source for the infections. The spread of infection began shortly after isolation was discontinued in the index case. An epidemiologic investigation showed that 14 patients were on the same ward, and one patient from another ward had opportunity for contact with the index case. The epidemic was controlled by prompt isolation of all infected patients, adherence to strict isolation techniques, aseptic technique for dressing changes and by treatment of nasal carriers among ward personnel with appropriate antibiotics.