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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Skin lesions in barracks: consider community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection instead

Benedict B Pagac1, Ronald W Reiland, David T Bolesh

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside 92521, USA.

Military Medicine
|October 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mysterious military skin lesions were initially blamed on spiders. Investigations revealed community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) bacterial infections as the true cause in close-living military personnel.

Area of Science:

  • Military medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Outbreaks of unexplained skin lesions occurred among military personnel.
  • Initial investigations focused on spider bites, prompting pest control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiology of widespread skin lesions in military personnel.
  • To determine if community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) was responsible.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical observation of skin lesions.
  • Bacterial culturing of lesions from affected individuals.
  • Epidemiological assessment of living conditions.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial cultures confirmed the presence of CA-MRSA in lesions.
  • Spider bites were ruled out as the primary cause.
  • Close-quarter military living environments were identified as conducive to CA-MRSA spread.

Conclusions:

  • CA-MRSA is a more likely cause of military skin eruptions than spider bites.
  • Military medical staff should consider CA-MRSA in differential diagnoses for cutaneous lesions.
  • Preventative strategies targeting CA-MRSA transmission in barracks are recommended.

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