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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
A community pseudo-outbreak of invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection
E Adderson1, A Pavia, J Christenson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, and Associated Regional University Pathologists, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Abstract:
Outbreaks of invasive infection caused by methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus occur in hospitals, long term care institutions, and in patients discharged from these settings. In contrast, epidemic S. aureus infection has not been reported in well persons in the community. Here, we describe a group of healthy young adults who resided in the same neighborhood and participated together in school sports, and who developed serious S. aureus infections within 3 weeks of each other, suggesting a true community outbreak. Timely use of molecular epidemiological tools, however, demonstrated that their illnesses were caused by unrelated bacterial strains.
Insights
Serious Staphylococcus aureus infections occurred in healthy young adults, initially suggesting a community outbreak. However, molecular analysis revealed unrelated bacterial strains, ruling out a common source for these invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections, including methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strains, are common in healthcare settings.
- Epidemic Staphylococcus aureus infections have not been previously reported in healthy community-dwelling individuals.
- The emergence of Staphylococcus aureus in the community among healthy individuals warrants investigation.
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