Community associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in HIV-infected patients

Until recently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was considered an uncommon community pathogen, almost exclusively associated with healthcare exposure. Over the last decade, however, methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection, particularly skin and soft tissue infection, has emerged in healthy individuals with no traditional risk factors for its acquisition. Several risk factors, including certain lifestyle behaviors, have been associated with community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization and infection. Regardless of other concurrent risk factors, HIV-infected patients have an increased risk for acquiring this pathogen. This article summarizes the current knowledge regarding associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and management of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in HIV-infected patients.