Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: epidemiology and clinical consequences of an
Michael Z David1, Robert S Daum
1Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medicine, the University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA. mdavid@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), endovascular infections, pneumonia, septic arthritis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, foreign-body infections, and sepsis. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates were once confined largely to hospitals, other health care environments, and patients frequenting these facilities. Since the mid-1990s, however, there has been an explosion in the number of MRSA infections reported in populations lacking risk factors for exposure to the health care system. This increase in the incidence of MRSA infection has been associated with the recognition of new MRSA clones known as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). CA-MRSA strains differ from the older, health care-associated MRSA strains; they infect a different group of patients, they cause different clinical syndromes, they differ in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, they spread rapidly among healthy people in the community, and they frequently cause infections in health care environments as well. This review details what is known about the epidemiology of CA-MRSA strains and the clinical spectrum of infectious syndromes associated with them that ranges from a commensal state to severe, overwhelming infection. It also addresses the therapy of these infections and strategies for their prevention.
Insights
Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains cause infections in healthy individuals, differing from hospital-acquired strains. This review covers CA-MRSA epidemiology, clinical syndromes, and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen causing various infections, including skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs), pneumonia, and sepsis.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was historically associated with healthcare settings.
- Emergence of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains has led to increased infections in the general population without traditional healthcare risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of CA-MRSA strains.
- To describe the clinical spectrum of CA-MRSA infections.
- To discuss therapeutic and preventive strategies for CA-MRSA infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CA-MRSA.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on CA-MRSA.
- Synthesis of information on clinical presentations and treatment of CA-MRSA.
Main Results:
- CA-MRSA strains are distinct from healthcare-associated MRSA, infecting different patient groups and causing varied clinical syndromes.
- These strains exhibit unique antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and spread rapidly in community settings.
- CA-MRSA infections range from asymptomatic colonization to severe, life-threatening conditions.
Conclusions:
- CA-MRSA represents a significant public health challenge due to its distinct epidemiology and clinical impact.
- Understanding CA-MRSA characteristics is crucial for effective management and prevention.
- Further research into targeted therapies and community-based prevention is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Healthcare 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...