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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Prevention strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Latin America]
Carlos Alvarez1, Jaime Labarca, Mauro Salles
1División de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio y Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. alvarezc@javeriana.edu.co
Abstract:
After the first reports of the emergence of MRSA in the 1970s, numerous measures intended to prevent its transmission were initiated in hospitals. However, in most cases, large-scale measures failed to be implemented and the transmission of MRSA has since led to a global pandemic. Presently, doubts still remain about the best approach to prevent and control MRSA and more often than not, control measures are not implemented. Therefore, we review here the current situation in Latin America with respect to existing policies for control of MRSA, and evaluate the evidence for control measures in hospitals and the community. We look at the risk factors for infection and transmission of MRSA between hospital patients and within specific populations in the community, and at the effect of antibiotic usage on the spread of MRSA in these settings. Finally, we summarize recommendations for the prevention and control of MRSA, which can be applied to the Latin American hospital environment and community setting.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a global challenge due to inconsistent control measures. This review examines MRSA control policies and evidence in Latin America, offering recommendations for hospitals and communities.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged in the 1970s, leading to widespread hospital transmission and a global pandemic.
- Despite numerous prevention efforts, large-scale implementation of control measures has been inconsistent, contributing to ongoing transmission.
- Current approaches to MRSA prevention and control remain debated, with frequent non-adherence to established protocols.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape of MRSA control policies in Latin America.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting various MRSA control measures in both hospital and community settings.
- To identify risk factors for MRSA infection and transmission, and assess the impact of antibiotic usage.
Summary:
- This review synthesizes existing policies for MRSA control in Latin America, critically examining the evidence for implemented and proposed interventions.
- It explores risk factors associated with MRSA infection and transmission among hospital patients and within diverse community populations.
- The influence of antibiotic use on MRSA spread in healthcare and community environments is analyzed.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the MRSA situation in Latin America, highlighting policy gaps and evidence limitations.
- Offers evidence-based recommendations tailored for the Latin American context to improve MRSA prevention and control in hospitals and communities.
- Aims to guide public health strategies and clinical practices to mitigate the impact of MRSA in the region.
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