Mrsa, Community Acquired

Basics

Description

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has historically been a pathogen endemic within health care settings, usually affecting the elderly and chronically ill
- This strain of S. aureus has been termed “health care–associated MRSA” (HA-MRSA)
Throughout the past decade, MRSA has become an increasingly common pathogen among younger, healthier populations who do not have a health care–related exposure history
- This type of MRSA pathogen has been termed “community-acquired MRSA” (CA-MRSA)
CA-MRSA is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections seen in the ED
While CA-MRSA may cause skin and soft tissue infection, it may also lead to severe multisystem disease, including sepsis and necrotizing pneumonia

Geriatric Considerations
HA-MRSA (see below) is a different genotypic form of MRSA that frequently causes morbidity among the elderly, especially those living within extended-care facilities or those with health care–related exposures

Etiology

S. aureus is a gram-positive cocci frequently colonizing the skin
MRSA refers to a specific strain of S. aureus that has resistance against the antimicrobial properties of numerous antibiotics, including methicillin
Highest risk for colonization and subsequent infection:
- Prisoners
- Athletes (especially wrestlers, football, rugby)
- Soldiers
- Children in daycare
- IV drug users
- Those with prior treatment for MRSA or exposure to MRSA

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