[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA, MRSE) in the nose, paranasal sinuses and sputum]

Detection of Staphylococcus in humans can be of extremely varying importance ranging from commensal to pathogens of fatal infections. MRSAs in particular are iatrogenic and nosocomial infective pathogens, which are a threat to the success of medical treatment. In this review the causes for occurrence and the spread of MRSA are presented and the heterogeneity of MRSA due to the presence of additional resistant pathogens (VISA, VRSA) and pathogenetic forms (cMRSA) will be discussed. The current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in various situations for MRSA in the nasal and paranasal sinuses and sputum will be discussed exemplified by an actual case. The danger of colonization by MRSA will be discussed with reference to the literature as nasal colonization can be accompanied by a greatly increased risk of an invasive infection and transmission of the pathogen to other persons.