Decolonization (medicine)

Decolonization
Other namesBacterial decolonization
SpecialtyInfectious disease, infection control

Decolonization, also bacterial decolonization, is a medical intervention that attempts to rid a patient of an antimicrobial resistant pathogen,[1] such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or antifungal-resistant Candida.[2]

By pre-emptively treating patients who have become colonized with an antimicrobial resistant organism, the likelihood of the patient going on to develop life-threatening healthcare-associated infections is reduced. Common sites of bacterial colonization include the nasal passage, groin, oral cavity and skin.[1]

  1. ^ a b Septimus, Edward J.; Schweizer, Marin L. (27 January 2016). "Decolonization in Prevention of Health Care-Associated Infections". Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 29 (2): 201–222. doi:10.1128/CMR.00049-15. PMC 4786886. PMID 26817630.
  2. ^ "Antifungal Resistance | Fungal Diseases". CDC. 25 January 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.