Tea tree oil as an alternative topical decolonization agent for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has emerged in the community among patient populations without traditional antibiotic resistance risk factors and is causing a variety of clinical syndromes, in particular skin and soft tissue infections. These infections can range from minor skin involvement that can be treated in an outpatient setting to more serious infections such as necrotizing fasciitis requiring hospitalization. Inpatient and outpatient healthcare providers must be aware of the treatment, prevention, and infection control practices for this emerging pathogen.

Section: Other Decolonization Agentsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Treatment of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Popovich¹,

Hota²,

Weinstein³

2007

“…Only two randomized controlled trials of TTO for MRSA decolonization have been conducted. Both trials included the use of topical skin disinfectants and demonstrated efficacies similar to mupirocin-based regimens [38,39]. The safety profile of TTO has not been fully determined, although irritant and hypersensitivity reactions have been described.…”

Section: Novel Agents For Nasal Decolonizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Clinical implications and treatment

Friedel¹,

Climo²

2007

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become an increasingly important pathogen during the past 30 years, and infections due to MRSA are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite intensive infection control measures, the prevalence of MRSA has increased significantly, and the organism has become endemic in many hospitals worldwide. Asymptomatic nasal carriage of MRSA has been identified as a major risk factor for subsequent S. aureus infection in multiple settings and populations. As a result, considerable interest exists in developing decolonization strategies, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of MRSA infection. Approaches to decolonization have included the use of systemic and inhalation anti-biotics, antiseptic washes, and topical antimicrobials.

“…Some agents have shown promise in vitro, including allicin (a garlic extract) [70] and indolmycin (discovered in 1960 but not developed because it is active against a limited number of organisms) [71]. In vitro and limited in vivo data exist for several other agents, including honey [72,73], gentian violet [74,75], and tea tree oil [76,77]. However, lysostaphin is the most promising and most extensively studied alternative agent.…”

Section: Alternatives To Mupirocin For Decolonizing Staphylococcus Aumentioning

confidence: 99%

Staphylococcus aureus colonization and nosocomial infections: Implications for prevention

Polgreen¹,

Herwaldt

2004

Colonization with Staphylococcus aureus is a risk factor for invasive S. aureus infections. Intranasal mupirocin has effectively eradicated S. aureus colonization and appears to prevent S. aureus nosocomial infections in some patient populations. In hospitals and communities where mupirocin use has been widespread, resistance to the drug has emerged. New strategies and agents are needed if we want to significantly decrease the risk of S. aureus infections.