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Updated: May 22, 2026

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

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

[Skin infections with MRSA. Epidemiology and clinical features]

K Becker1, C Sunderkötter

  • 1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Domagkstr. 10, 48149, Münster, Deutschland. kbecker@uni-muenster.de

Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, Und Verwandte Gebiete
|April 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus causes many skin infections, with methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) posing a significant threat due to antibiotic resistance. These MRSA infections lead to worse outcomes and require careful management.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Context:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of skin infections.
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains are resistant to common antibiotics.
  • Both healthcare-associated (HA) and community-acquired (CA) MRSA are significant clinical problems.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the prevalence and impact of Staphylococcus aureus in dermatological infections.
  • To differentiate between methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections.
  • To discuss the emergence and characteristics of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA).

Summary:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a prevalent pathogen causing diverse skin infections, ranging from superficial to life-threatening systemic diseases.
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains exhibit resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, leading to increased morbidity and mortality compared to methicillin-sensitive strains.
  • Emerging CA-MRSA strains, often possessing virulence factors like Panton Valentine leukocidin, are associated with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections.

Impact:

  • Increased understanding of MRSA epidemiology and clinical significance in dermatology.
  • Awareness of the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains.
  • Informed clinical approaches to managing S. aureus and MRSA skin infections.

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