STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS: RISK FACTORS FOR ORONASAL TRANSMISSION AND DENTAL ASPECT

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of surgical wounds and infections associated with indwelling medical devices; it is found particularly on the nasal membranes and skin. Naso-oral transmission of S. aureus is an important risk factor for development of oral and dental infections. Although prophylactic and postoperative antibiotics are given to patients after oral surgery operations, most strains of S. aureus are reported to be resistant to penicillin. After the 1960s, methicillin was replaced by newer penicillin-type antibiotic that were not affected by beta-lactamase, and the resistant S. aureus strains became known as methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA).