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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Prevalence and invasiveness of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a meta-analysis
Shipeng Li, Juan Li, Yanhong Qiao
1Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China.
Background:
Reports suggest that the prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has increased, and that CA-MRSA is more virulent than healthcare-associated (HA)-MRSA.
Aims:
The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the invasiveness and prevalence of CA-MRSA in patients; we systematically reviewed the literature by conducting a meta-analysis.
Materials And Methods:
We searched the MEDLINE and PUBMED databases from the year these databases were established to January 2013.
Results:
The pooled CA-MRSA prevalence among 50,737 patients from 33 studies was 39.0% (range, 30.8-47.8%). The pooled CA-MRSA prevalence rates among pediatric and adult patients with MRSA infection were 50.2% (range, 37.5-62.8%) and 42.3% (range, 16.4-73.3%), respectively. The pooled CA-MRSA prevalence rates of MRSA-infected patients in Asia, Europe, and North America were 23.1% (range, 12.0-39.8%), 37.4% (range, 21.1-56.4%), and 47.4% (range, 35.8-59.4%), respectively. Using the random effects model, we determined that the pooled odds ratio of invasive infections in CA- and HA-MRSA was 0.30 (95% confidence interval: 0.08-1.10; P = 0.07, test for heterogeneity P < 0.00001).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of CA-MRSA in MRSA infection varied with area and population. No difference in the ability to cause invasive infections was found between CA- and HA-MRSA. This finding challenges the view that CA-MRSA is more virulent than HA-MRSA.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) prevalence varies globally. This meta-analysis found no significant difference in the invasiveness of CA-MRSA compared to healthcare-associated (HA)-MRSA, challenging previous virulence assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Reports indicate a rise in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).
- CA-MRSA is often perceived as more virulent than healthcare-associated (HA)-MRSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence and invasiveness of CA-MRSA.
- To compare the virulence of CA-MRSA against HA-MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
- Searched MEDLINE and PubMed databases up to January 2013.
- Included 33 studies with 50,737 patients.
Main Results:
- Pooled CA-MRSA prevalence was 39.0% across all studies.
- Prevalence varied by population (pediatric 50.2%, adult 42.3%) and region (Asia 23.1%, Europe 37.4%, North America 47.4%).
- No significant difference in the odds of invasive infection between CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA (OR=0.30, P=0.07).
Conclusions:
- CA-MRSA prevalence is variable depending on geographic location and patient demographics.
- The study challenges the notion that CA-MRSA possesses greater virulence than HA-MRSA.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand the clinical implications of CA-MRSA.
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