Escalation of antimicrobial resistance among MRSA part 1: focus on global spread

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus is a common human pathogen producing virulence factors.
• Specific genotypes of S. aureus are linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and toxin profiles.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes community-acquired (CA) and healthcare-acquired (HCA) infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the global escalation of MRSA, including both HCA-MRSA and CA-MRSA.
• To highlight the concerning spread of CA-MRSA into hospitals and HCA-MRSA into the community.
• To emphasize factors contributing to MRSA spread, such as poor antimicrobial stewardship and inadequate infection control.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted using PubMed up to September 2022.
• Keywords included: antimicrobial resistance, beta-lactams, community-associated MRSA, epidemiology, infection, multidrug resistance, Staphylococcus aureus.
• The review focuses on the epidemiology and spread of MRSA.

Main Results:

• MRSA has demonstrated extensive global dissemination over several decades.
• The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRSA has significantly limited therapeutic options.
• CA-MRSA clones have infiltrated hospitals, and HCA-MRSA have entered the community.

Conclusions:

• Judicious antimicrobial use, guided by antimicrobial stewardship programs, is essential.
• Implementing robust infection control measures is critical to minimize MRSA spread.
• Addressing the global challenge of MRSA requires a combined approach of stewardship and control.