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Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Management and Prevention

Current Infectious Disease Reports volume 13, Article number: 442 (2011) Cite this article

Abstract

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) was a rare phenomenon until the past decade; now CA-MRSA is endemic in many communities and is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections presenting to emergency rooms. CA-MRSA is distinct from its hospital-acquired counterpart, and has caused devastating infections in many healthy individuals. The epidemiology of CA-MRSA continues to evolve, and the challenge is to use the most appropriate and effective therapeutic and preventative strategies against this pathogen. This article reviews the current epidemiology of CA-MRSA, its definitions, and common clinical manifestations in the community. The article also summarizes current therapeutic options for CA-MRSA as well as strategies to reduce the transmission and the impact of CA-MRSA in both community and health care settings.

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Affiliations

  1. Program for Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Erwin Road, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Luke F. Chen & Deverick J. Anderson

  2. Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Erwin Road, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Cody Chastain

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  1. Luke F. Chen
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  2. Cody Chastain
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  3. Deverick J. Anderson
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Correspondence to Luke F. Chen.

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Chen, L.F., Chastain, C. & Anderson, D.J. Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Management and Prevention. Curr Infect Dis Rep 13, 442 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-011-0198-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-011-0198-4

Keywords

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • MRSA, Community-acquired
  • CA-MRSA
  • Skin and soft tissue infection
  • Decolonization
  • Management
  • Prevention
  • Treatment