Purpose

Staph aureus is a very common pathogen causing a wide range of infections. It can reside in and on our bodies without causing disease. It is a major cause of nosocomial infections. A joint infection associated with a surgical procedure replacing part or all of a joint has multiple consequences. Recovery is prolonged, treating the infection is costly and other sequelae may result. In addition the hospital's cost may need to be covered by the hospital due to recent changes in health care coverage (i.e. Medicare).

Methicillin resistant Staph aureus is a major cause of nosocomial and severe infections. Its prevalence in the community has increased significantly in the last few years. Within the hospital, the transmission of MRSA is controlled with infection control practices that can be expensive and time consuming. Quick anc accurate detecion of MRSA allows the placement of patients in the appropriate isolation.