Staphylococcus aureus transmission : clinical and molecular aspects

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen in nosocomial infections. Up to 30% of UCI related infections are caused by S. aureus. In this thesis we explore both clinical and molecular aspects of patient-to-patient transmission of S. aureus. We performed a European ICU study exploring infection prevention measures and their influence on transmission. We developed a experimental transmission model in animals, showing a difference in spread and colonization persistence between MSSA and MRSA. Next to this we developed a microarray for the typing of S. aureus.