A hospital has reported an outbreak of MRSA infection. On investigation, it was found that staff nurses and doctors had nasal carriage of MRSA. Which of the following drug helps in removal of colonization of bacteria?

Ans. (c) Topical bacitracinRef: Harrison TB of internal medicine - 19th ed - page 959* The anterior nares is the most common site of staphylococcal colonization in humans.* It is because of attachment of S. aureus to keratinized epithelial cells of the anterior nares.* Factors that contribute to colonization include the# Influence of other resident nasal flora and their bacterial density,# Host factors# Nasal mucosal damage (use of inhalational drugs)Colonization areas are:* Anterior nares* Damaged skin* Groin (umbilicus)* Oropharynx* Primary prevention of S. aureus infections in the hospital setting involves hand washing and careful attention to appropriate isolation procedures.To eradicate the colonization:* Decolonization is with topical agents (e.g., mupirocin) to eliminate nasal colonization* Chlorhexidine baths to eliminate cutaneous colonization with S. aureus