What type of agent is NOT used in the prevention of S. aureus infections?

S. aureus infections can be serious, so prevention strategies are essential in healthcare settings and the community. The correct answer is that vaccines are not currently used as a prevention measure against S. aureus infections.

While topical antiseptics, antibiotics, and hand sanitizers play significant roles in reducing the risk of infection, vaccines against S. aureus have not yet been successfully developed and implemented. Various vaccine candidates have been researched, but none have proven consistently effective in preventing S. aureus infections in humans.

Topical antiseptics work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin's surface, which is helpful in preventing skin infections. Antibiotics can treat S. aureus infections once they occur, and specific antibiotics can also be used prophylactically in certain high-risk situations to prevent infection. Hand sanitizers, particularly those that contain alcohol, are effective at reducing the number of germs, including S. aureus, on hands, further contributing to prevention efforts. Therefore, while several effective measures are currently available for the prevention of S. aureus infections, vaccination remains an area of ongoing research without viable options available for practical use.