Nosocomial infections are a serious problem for every hospital for medical and economic reasons. During the last few years, multiresistant strains have been coming to the fore. At the end of the 1970 s, the fi rst outbreaks of nosocomial infections of oxacillin- and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (MRSA) were reported. MRSA out-breaks require a high degree of organization of medical and hygiene procedures for therapy and prevention. Taking our own experiences into consideration, the essential measures for controlling such infections are discussed.