Hygiene strategies to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections: a cluster-randomized controlled trial among high-risk military trainees.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Effective measures are needed to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in high-risk community settings. The study objective was to evaluate the effect of personal hygiene-based strategies on rates of overall SSTI and MRSA SSTI.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, field-based, cluster-randomized trial in US Army Infantry trainees from May 2010 through January 2012. There were 3 study groups with incrementally increased education and hygiene-based interventions: standard (S), enhanced standard (ES), and chlorhexidine (CHG). The primary endpoints were incidence of overall SSTI and MRSA SSTI.

Results

The study included 30 209 trainees constituting 540 platoons (168 S, 192 ES, and 180 CHG). A total of

SUBMITTER: Ellis MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4017895 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature