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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Complicated skin, skin structure and soft tissue infections - are we threatened by multi-resistant pathogens?

P Kujath1, C Kujath

  • 1University of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck Campus, Department of Surgery, Lübeck, Germany. peter.kujath@chirurgie.uni-luebeck.de

European Journal of Medical Research
|December 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are increasing, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While superficial MRSA infections may not need antibiotics, MRSA sepsis requires prompt treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) encompass a range of conditions affecting skin, subcutaneous, and muscle tissues.
  • Classifications of SSTIs consider anatomical structures, causative pathogens, urgency of treatment, and infection extent.
  • The incidence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in SSTIs has risen significantly over the last 15 years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the classification and management of skin and soft tissue infections.
  • To highlight the increasing role of MRSA in SSTIs and its treatment implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of SSTI classification and epidemiology.
  • Analysis of MRSA prevalence and impact on patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • MRSA is identified as a leading pathogen in SSTIs, contributing to 20-50% of diabetes-associated foot infections in some regions.
  • Superficial MRSA contaminations generally do not require antibiotic therapy.
  • Systemic MRSA infections, such as MRSA sepsis, necessitate antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

  • SSTIs require classification based on various clinical and etiological factors.
  • The increasing prevalence of MRSA in SSTIs demands careful consideration of treatment strategies.
  • Antibiotic therapy for MRSA SSTIs is reserved for systemic infections like sepsis.

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