Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in the surgical patient: a prospective analysis of 73 postoperative patients who developed Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia at a tertiary care facility1

SAB in the postoperative setting is often a severe disease with high morbidity and mortality. A thorough diagnostic evaluation is indicated in surgical patients with S. aureus bacteremia to ensure the early detection of metastatic infections such as infective endocarditis and to define foci such as mediastinitis re quiring surgical intervention.