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Epidemics of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the United States: a meta-analysis

Vanja M Dukic1, Diane S Lauderdale, Jocelyn Wilder

  • 1Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America.

Plos One
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have dramatically increased over two decades, becoming endemic in many US regions. The spread is geographically varied and emerged earlier in children than adults.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of human skin and soft tissue infections.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged in the 1960s but posed a limited threat until the 1990s.
  • Novel community-associated (CA-) MRSA strains emerged, causing serious infections in healthy individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origins, extent, and geographic variability of CA-MRSA infections in the U.S.
  • To analyze trend data to understand the spread of CA-MRSA over time.
  • To determine if a CA-MRSA epidemic exists and its characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of published studies was conducted.
  • Studies included trend data from single sites or regions.
  • Summary epidemic curves were derived to visualize CA-MRSA spread.

Main Results:

  • A dramatic increase in CA-MRSA infections was observed over the past two decades.
  • CA-MRSA strains are now endemic at unprecedented levels in many U.S. regions.
  • The increase in CA-MRSA infections was not geographically uniform and occurred earlier in children than adults.

Conclusions:

  • CA-MRSA infections have significantly increased and are widespread across the U.S.
  • The geographic spread and timing of CA-MRSA infections vary.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full scope and implications of CA-MRSA spread.

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