Clearance of Nasal Staphylococcus Aureus With Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Clearance of Nasal Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization With Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that lives commonly in the anterior nostrils, is seen in about 30% of healthcare workers. Applying mupirocin ointment, a prescription, to the nostrils twice daily for 5 days is the current standard of care for treatment to clear this bacteria. This research study is designed to determine the rate of clearance of this bacteria in healthcare workers who are carriers when using triple antibiotic ointment instead of mupirocin ointment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Willing and able to give informed consent
• Must have consented prior to registration for the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• active infection
• concurrent treatment with antibiotics, topical or systemic
• S. aureus decolonization attempt in prior six months
• history of HIV
• chemotherapy or systemic immunosuppressive therapy
• history of neomycin allergy or sensitivity