Impact of MRSA Nasal Screening in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review Incorporating Network and Bayesian Meta-Analyses

Abstract Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia requires empirical therapy coverage for patients with risk factors, yet MRSA causes <1% of community-acquired and 20-40% of nosocomial pneumonias. MRSA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal screening offers rapid results with 95-99% negative predictive value. We systematically evaluated clinical outcomes associated with MRSA nasal screening in hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRT