Hair follicles as a niche of Staphylococcus aureus in the nose; is a more effective decolonisation strategy needed?

    September 2010 in “ Journal of Hospital Infection ”
    N.J.P. ten Broeke-Smits, J. Alain Kummer, Ronald L. A. W. Bleys, Ad C. Fluit, C. H. E. Boel
    TLDR Hair follicles in the nose may need better cleaning to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections.
    The study investigated the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus in the human nose, identifying hair follicles in the vestibulum nasi as a potential niche for the bacteria. This finding suggested that hair follicles could be a source of relapse after decolonization efforts. The research highlighted the need to reconsider and optimize decolonization strategies, balancing prevention, costs, and the risk of developing mupirocin-resistant S. aureus. The study emphasized the importance of understanding the exact location of S. aureus during colonization to improve strategies for preventing surgical site infections.
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