Haemodialysis and infection

Bacterial infection is a significant cause of morbidity and the second most common cause of mortality in haemodialysis patients. S. aureus is the most frequently isolated pathogen (accounting for 70-96% of bacterial infections [Lundin 1980, Neff 1983, Bradley 1987]), usually isolated from the vascular access site and is often associated with bacteraemia.

Nasal carriage is thought to play a major role in S. aureus infections in haemodialysis patients.

Nasal carriage and haemodialysis patients:
33% - 70% of haemodialysis patients are nasal carriagers of ''S. aureus. ''

Methods to decolonized nasal passages of haemodialysis patients:

 * 1) oral rifampicin has been reported to be effective [Yu 1986]
 * 2) *showed decreased incidence of S. aureus infections with elimination of S. aureus in haemodialysis patients.
 * 3) other