Staphylococcus Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Staphylococcus, including details on mrsa, hospitals, infection, antibiotic resistance, superbugs.

A review of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections.

Gorwitz RJ

Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. RGorwitz@cdc.gov

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a cause of infection among otherwise healthy children and adults in the community. Skin and soft tissue infections are most common, but invasive manifestations also occur. A limited number of strains that may possess unique virulence or transmissibility factors have accounted for the majority of these infections. These strains emerged in the community but now are being transmitted in both community and healthcare settings. Incision and drainage remains the primary treatment for skin abscesses. Strains of MRSA circulating in the community generally are susceptible to a number of nonbeta-lactam antimicrobial agents, although resistance patterns may vary temporally and geographically. Educating patients on strategies to prevent further transmission is a critical component of case management. More data are needed to determine optimal strategies for management and prevention of MRSA skin infections in the community.

Published 28 December 2007 in Pediatr Infect Dis J, 27(1): 1-7.
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