Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in Pacific Islanders--Hawaii, 2001-2003
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is emerging as a cause of skin and soft-tissue infections in persons who have little or no contact with health-care settings. The majority of these infections are mild, involving skin and soft tissue; however, certain cases can progress to invasive tissue infections, bacteremia, and death. Transmission of MRSA has been reported most frequently in certain populations (e.g., children, sports participants, or jail inmates). Persons in the American Indian or Alaska Native population in the United States and aboriginals and Pacific Islanders (PIs) in Australia have high rates of MRSA colonization and infection. In 2003, clinicians reported an increased number of skin abscesses caused by MRSA among patients examined in ambulatory care settings. This report summarizes the findings of a retrospective study of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections in Hawaii that identified a higher proportion of cases among PIs than were identified among Asians, compared with their respective proportions in the Hawaii population. Efforts to prevent CA-MRSA in Hawaii should focus on identifying factors causing the disproportionate number of infections among PIs.
Insights
Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are increasing, particularly among Pacific Islanders (PIs) in Hawaii. Further research is needed to understand and prevent these disproportionate CA-MRSA infections in PIs.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly causing skin and soft-tissue infections outside of healthcare settings.
- Certain populations, including American Indian/Alaska Native and Pacific Islander (PI) individuals, exhibit high rates of MRSA colonization and infection.
- An increase in MRSA-related skin abscesses in ambulatory care settings was noted in 2003.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections in Hawaii.
- To identify demographic disparities in CA-MRSA infections within the Hawaiian population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing CA-MRSA infection cases in Hawaii.
- Comparison of the proportion of CA-MRSA cases among Pacific Islanders (PIs) and Asians relative to their population representation.
Main Results:
- The study identified a higher proportion of CA-MRSA cases among Pacific Islanders (PIs) compared to Asians in Hawaii.
- This proportion was disproportionate relative to the respective demographic representation in the general population.
Conclusions:
- Pacific Islanders (PIs) in Hawaii experience a disproportionately high burden of CA-MRSA infections.
- Targeted prevention strategies are necessary to address the factors contributing to the elevated rates of CA-MRSA among PIs.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...