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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and HIV: intersecting epidemics
Kyle J Popovich1, Robert A Weinstein, Alla Aroutcheva
1Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. kyle_popovich@rush.edu
Summary
People with HIV have a significantly higher risk of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections. Prevention efforts should target high-risk populations and networks to curb spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated a potential link between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).
- Understanding this association is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the population-level incidence of CA-MRSA infections in HIV-infected patients compared to HIV-negative patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with CA-MRSA infections in HIV-positive individuals.
Main Methods:
- A population-level incidence study was conducted at the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS).
- Data included HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients with S. aureus skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs).
- A nested case-control analysis examined hospitalized HIV-infected patients, considering geographic and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- CA-MRSA SSTIs were 6-fold higher in HIV-infected patients (996/100,000) versus HIV-negative patients (157/100,000).
- Incidence of CA-MRSA SSTIs in HIV-infected patients increased significantly from 2000-2003 to 2004-2007 (RR, 3.6).
- Risk factors included residence in high-risk zip codes, alternative housing, younger age, and infection during the later period.
Conclusions:
- HIV-infected patients face a substantially elevated risk of CA-MRSA infections.
- Targeting prevention strategies towards overlapping community networks of high-risk individuals is recommended.
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