RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 MRSA in the Netherlands: preventive measure raises a moral issue
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 212
OP 212
DO 10.1136/jme.29.4.212
VO 29
IS 4
A1 D O E Gebhardt
YR 2003
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/29/4/212.abstract
AB In the Netherlands the incidence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in hospitals is surprisingly low when compared to that of neighbouring countries. It is believed that this favourable condition is caused by stringent precautionary measures such as complete isolation of the patients. In one case the nurse taking care of such patients was herself MRSA positive. This condition changed and she became MRSA negative after removal (at her request) of her tonsils. The question is raised how far one should go to protect patients when the preventive measures taken may endanger the health of those who take care of them.