A Phase 4 interventional study of Chlorhexidine and Mupirocin in Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Bacterial Infections, Staphylococcus Aureus and MRSA - Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection, sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine. Completed at 2 sites in United States. Open to participants aged Up to 18 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-24.
Sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine · Phase 4, Interventional, and Treatment
The investigators propose a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial evaluating several decolonization strategies in patients with Staphylococcus aureus infection, their household contacts, and household environmental surfaces. The central hypothesis of this proposal is that an integrated approach of periodic personal and household environmental hygiene will reduce S. aureus transmission in households and subsequently decrease the incidence of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI).
Patients with active or recent S. aureus SSTI will be recruited from St. Louis Children's Hospital and community pediatric practices affiliated with the investigators practice-based research network. All participants (index patients and their household contacts) will perform a baseline S. aureus decolonization protocol for 5 days consisting of enhanced hygiene measures, application of mupirocin antibiotic ointment to the anterior nares twice daily, and daily body washes with chlorhexidine antiseptic. Following the 5-day baseline decolonization regimen, households will be randomized to one of three intervention groups: 1) Periodic personal decolonization performed by all household members, to include chlorhexidine body washes twice weekly for 3 months and application of intranasal mupirocin for 5 consecutive days each month for 3 months; 2) Household environmental hygiene, including targeted cleaning of household surfaces and laundering of bed linens, weekly for 3 months; and 3) Integrated periodic personal decolonization and household environmental hygiene for 3 months. Households will be followed prospectively (1, 3, 6, and 9 months following randomization) to measure the prevalence of S. aureus colonization in the participants, household environmental surfaces, and pet dogs and cats and to document the incidence of recurrent SSTI. Molecular strain typing will be performed on all recovered S. aureus isolates to illuminate transmission dynamics and the effects of the decolonization measures on genetic epidemiology. Lastly, the investigators will assess resistance to the prescribed topical antimicrobials at baseline and longitudinal samplings.
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Exclusion Criteria:
All household participants will perform chlorhexidine body washes twice weekly for 3 months and apply mupirocin ointment to the anterior nares twice daily for five consecutive days each month for 3 months.
Drug: Chlorhexidine · Drug: Mupirocin
In addition to their usual cleaning, households will be asked to perform targeted household hygiene focusing on sources known to harbor S. aureus and serve as reservoirs for transmission.
Behavioral: Household cleaning
Participants in households randomized to this arm will perform the Periodic Personal Decolonization plus the Household Environmental Hygiene, described above in arms 1 and 2.
Drug: Chlorhexidine · Drug: Mupirocin · Behavioral: Household cleaning
Also known as: Hibiclens
Also known as: Bactroban
Number of Households With at Least One Skin and Soft Tissue Infection
Number of households with at least one SSTI between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
Time frame: 3 months after randomization
Prevalence of MRSA Colonization in Participants
Describe baseline prevalence of MRSA colonization in participants
Time frame: Baseline sampling
Prevalence of MRSA Colonization in Participants
Describe longitudinal MRSA colonization prevalence in participants
Time frame: 9 months
Confirmed S. Aureus Infection
We will compare the development of a confirmed S. aureus infection between participants in the 3 groups over 9 months at the household and individual level.
Time frame: 9 months
Incidence of SSTI
We will compare the number of households in which at least one household member develops SSTI 1 month after randomization between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
Time frame: 1 month
Incidence of SSTI
We will compare the incidence of households in which at least one household member experiences an SSTI at the household level 6 months after randomization between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
Time frame: 6 months
Incidence of SSTI
We will compare the number of households in which at least one household member develops SSTI 9 months after randomization between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
Time frame: 9 months
Mupirocin Resistance
Measure the prevalence of mupirocin resistance in S. aureus strains recovered at serial samplings over the study period of 9 months.
Time frame: 9 months
Number of Patients With Adverse Events Due to Study Intervention
We will describe the number of participants with adverse events due to study intervention (e.g., rhinorrhea, rash, dry skin) and compare between the three groups.
Time frame: 3 months
Number of Participants Adhering to Study Intervention Procedures
We will describe the number of participants completing chlorhexidine baths, mupirocin applications, and household hygiene measures.
Time frame: 3 months
SSTI Incidence: Individual Level
Individual Participant SSTI Incidence
Time frame: 1 Month
SSTI Incidence: Individual Level
Individual Participant SSTI Incidence
Time frame: 3 Months
SSTI Incidence: Individual Level
Individual Participant SSTI Incidence
Time frame: 6 Months
SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
Time frame: 1 Month
SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
Time frame: 3 Months
SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
Time frame: 6 Months
SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
Time frame: 9 Months
SSTI Incidence: Index Patients
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
Time frame: 1 Month
SSTI Incidence: Index Patients
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
Time frame: 3 Months
SSTI Incidence: Index Patients
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
Time frame: 6 Months
SSTI Incidence: Index Patients
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
Time frame: 9 Months
From 2015-2021, pediatric patients with culture-confirmed, community-onset S. aureus SSTIs ("index patients") were recruited from St. Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH) and community pediatric practices in metropolitan St. Louis. Children with nosocomial infections, healthcare-related risk factors, or immunodeficiency were excluded. Household contacts (individuals sleeping in the home ≥4 nights per week) were also enrolled. All study visits were conducted in participants' homes.
| Milestone | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Started | 273 | 270 | 290 |
| Completed | 228 | 235 | 255 |
| Not completed | 45 | 35 | 35 |
| Withdrew: Lost to follow-up | 35 | 15 | 32 |
| Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| Withdrew: Moved out of household | 2 | 12 | 2 |
| Milestone | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Started | 229 | 235 | 256 |
| Completed | 213 | 222 | 242 |
| Not completed | 16 | 13 | 14 |
| Withdrew: Lost to follow-up | 10 | 8 | 13 |
| Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Withdrew: Moved out of household | 6 | 4 | 0 |
Number of households with at least one SSTI between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
| Households | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Households With at Least One Skin and Soft Tissue Infection | 21 | 21 | 22 |
Describe baseline prevalence of MRSA colonization in participants
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of MRSA Colonization in Participants | 39 | 61 | 60 |
Describe longitudinal MRSA colonization prevalence in participants
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of MRSA Colonization in Participants | 12 | 22 | 24 |
We will compare the development of a confirmed S. aureus infection between participants in the 3 groups over 9 months at the household and individual level.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmed S. Aureus Infection | 84 | 71 | 135 |
We will compare the number of households in which at least one household member develops SSTI 1 month after randomization between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
| Households | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incidence of SSTI | 14 | 13 | 16 |
We will compare the incidence of households in which at least one household member experiences an SSTI at the household level 6 months after randomization between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
| Households | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incidence of SSTI | 28 | 27 | 32 |
We will compare the number of households in which at least one household member develops SSTI 9 months after randomization between the Integrated Decolonization Group and the combined Personal Periodic Decolonization and Environmental Decontamination Groups.
| Households | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incidence of SSTI | 30 | 32 | 38 |
Measure the prevalence of mupirocin resistance in S. aureus strains recovered at serial samplings over the study period of 9 months.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mupirocin Resistance | 6 | 1 | 2 |
We will describe the number of participants with adverse events due to study intervention (e.g., rhinorrhea, rash, dry skin) and compare between the three groups.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Patients With Adverse Events Due to Study Intervention | 111 | 92 | 137 |
We will describe the number of participants completing chlorhexidine baths, mupirocin applications, and household hygiene measures.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Participants Adhering to Study Intervention Procedures | 112 | 45 | 55 |
Individual Participant SSTI Incidence
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Individual Level | 18 | 16 | 19 |
Individual Participant SSTI Incidence
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Individual Level | 29 | 24 | 29 |
Individual Participant SSTI Incidence
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Household Environmental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Individual Level | 39 | 31 | 43 |
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment | 17 | 13 | 10 |
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment | 25 | 22 | 18 |
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment | 32 | 33 | 20 |
Incidence of SSTI in Participants who Experienced an SSTI in the Year Prior to Enrollment. During the enrollment survey, all participants were asked if they had ever had an SSTI, and when the SSTI occurred. If a participant had experienced an SSTI before joining this study, and that SSTI occurred less than a year before their enrollment date, they were included in this subgroup.
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Participants With SSTI in the Year Prior to Trial Enrollment | 36 | 40 | 25 |
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Index Patients | 8 | 11 | 7 |
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Index Patients | 15 | 16 | 12 |
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Index Patients | 21 | 23 | 13 |
Cumulative Incidence of SSTI in Index Patients
| Participants | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSTI Incidence: Index Patients | 23 | 27 | 16 |
Collected over Adverse events were recorded during the baseline and 3 month intervention period (3.5 months).. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.
| Group | Deaths | Serious | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periodic Personal Decolonization | 0/274 (0%) | 0/274 (0%) | 111/274 (40.5%) |
| Household Environmental Hygiene | 0/269 (0%) | 0/269 (0%) | 93/269 (34.6%) |
| Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | 0/292 (0%) | 0/292 (0%) | 137/292 (46.9%) |
| Event | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse Event from Chlorhexidine applicationSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | 61/274 | 62/269 | 101/292 |
| Adverse Event from Mupirocin applicationSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | 74/274 | 64/269 | 88/292 |
819 participants from 196 households were enrolled at the baseline study visit. And additional 16 participants subsequently joined the households during the 9-month longitudinal study and were enrolled; their information is captured in the demographic information provided.
| Age, Continuous(Years) | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median | 15 (0.04 to 59) | 17 (0.01 to 61) | 13 (0.02 to 75) | 15 (0.01 to 75) |
| Sex: Female, Male(Participants) | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 159 | 145 | 165 | 469 |
| Male | 115 | 125 | 126 | 366 |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants) | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino | 6 | 6 | 5 | 17 |
| Not Hispanic or Latino | 268 | 264 | 286 | 818 |
| Unknown or Not Reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants) | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Asian | 5 | 5 | 7 | 17 |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Black or African American | 56 | 83 | 95 | 234 |
| White | 195 | 163 | 175 | 533 |
| More than one race | 18 | 19 | 14 | 51 |
| Unknown or Not Reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Region of Enrollment(participants) | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 274 | 270 | 291 | 835 |
| Skin Infection in the Year Prior to Study Enrollment(number of participants w/skin infections) | Periodic Personal Decolonization | Household Environmental Hygiene | Integrated Personal/Household Hygiene | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 85 | 80 | 64 | 229 |
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Washington University School of Medicine