[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in chronic wounds: therapeutic options and perspectives]

The contamination of chronic wounds with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a world-wide increasing problem. Although it is still unclear whether bacterial contamination is a relevant factor for delayed wound-healing, verification of MRSA contamination has significant logistic consequences for the medical institution as well as for the patient. In particular, if MRSA contamination progresses towards a systemic infection, options for antibiotic therapy are greatly limited. In this article, we discuss current therapeutic standards and potential alternatives for eradication of MRSA. There is evident need for effective, novel approaches for elimination of MRSA from chronic wounds that avoid the development of bacterial resistance; otherwise therapeutic alternatives for antibacterial treatment of chronic wounds will become more limited.