I WAS interested in the letter which appeared on December 29 concerning MRSA. Consultant nurse Tracy Cooper said people are swabbed for MRSA before having surgery as the infection can enter the body through a wound.

What happens to people having minor surgery at their doctor's and people visiting the dentist for extractions? Are the risks of contracting MRSA the same? If so, are doctors and dentists required to do checks (swabs) for MRSA prior to treatment?

Is it possible to contract MRSA through an open wound sustained in an accident?

D M NICHOLSON, Ryde, Isle of Wight.

Dr Ros Tolcher, medical director of Southampton City Primary Care Trust, replies: It is understandable that the public are concerned about the risks of infection, especially if they are accessing health care services. The risk of contracting MRSA depends on the type of procedure, where it is being performed, and the health of the individual. The risk of picking up MRSA from dental care or the types of minor procedures normally performed at a GP surgery are negligible and people can be reassured that there is no need for doctors or dentists to screen their patients before this type of activity.

When the skin is broken by an injury, the body's natural barrier against infection is breached. Everyone should take care to wash their hands, clean wounds carefully and protect the wound from contamination. This is particularly true for people who know that their defenses against infection are reduced. In the great majority of people these simple measures prevent infection. A very small number of cases of MRSA seem to arise in the community, some of these might possibly occur via this route.

Many infections are easily prevented by following a few simple rules. With the current seasonal increase in the number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting and respiratory infections I would like to remind readers not to visit people in hospitals in the region if they have symptoms of infection (or within 72 hours of diarrhoea or vomiting) and to be sure they wash their hands and use the alcohol gel provided when they visit the wards. If in doubt, ask before visiting.