Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: profiles oceans apart--Canadian and Saudi Arabian experiences

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a pathogen which has increased over the past three decades, is responsible for nosocomial infections and adverse patient outcomes. It is a pathogen of global importance. Rates of patient colonization or infection vary greatly internationally. Lower rates have been observed in Canada and Saudi Arabia compared to the United States and United Kingdom. Although these lower rates may appear reassuring, the trend in MRSA observed in two capital cities, Winnipeg, Canada and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia are consistent with a widespread global increase in MRSA.