Human Microbiome and Healthcare Associated Infections - Nursing Home Dwelling Older Veterans

Human Microbiome and Healthcare Associated Infections - Nursing Home Dwelling Older Veterans

The purpose of the research is to find out the effect of commonly used topical antibiotics on the bacteria that live in the nose, throat and on the skin of older adults. In addition, the investigators want to determine if these topical antibiotics affect how bacteria are spread in Community Living Centers of the VA Maryland Health Care System.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 50 years or older.
• Living in a participating nursing home for at least 80% of the past 3 months-
• Willing to provide anterior nares, posterior pharynx, skin and throat specimens over the study period.
• Willing to use intranasal mupirocin and topical chlorhexidine over a five day period.
• Provide signed and dated informed consent from subject or LAR.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent history of MRSA colonization
• Use of mupirocin nasal ointment in past 3 months
• Use of topical chlorhexidine in past 3 months
• History of an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine or mupirocin