Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Epidemiologic observations during a community-acquired outbreak
Abstract:
Infection with strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus occurred in 40 patients at time of admission to a large urban hospital from March to December 1980. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections occurred in 24 drug abusers and 16 nonabusers. Patients with infections had a longer mean hospitalization and previously had received antimicrobial therapy more frequently than control subjects. Drug abusers with infections had been treated with cephalosporins more often than control subjects (P less than 0.05). Phage typing of 32 isolates showed that 21 were linked by a common phage type (29/52/80/95). Transmission of methicillin-resistant S. aureus from community-acquired cases occurred in the hospital. By January 1981, methicillin-resistant S. aureus accounted for 30.6% of nosocomial S. aureus infections at Henry Ford Hospital. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection may arise in the community as well as in the hospital and has the potential to disseminate in both settings.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections were identified in 40 patients, highlighting MRSA
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen.
- Understanding the origins and transmission of MRSA is crucial for effective control.
- Previous antimicrobial therapy is a known risk factor for MRSA infections.
Observation:
- A study in a large urban hospital from March to December 1980 identified 40 patients with community-acquired MRSA infections.
- Infections occurred in both drug abusers (24) and non-abusers (16).
- Patients with MRSA infections experienced longer hospitalizations and more frequent prior antimicrobial treatment.
Findings:
- A common phage type (29/52/80/95) was identified in 21 of 32 MRSA isolates.
- MRSA transmission from community-acquired cases into the hospital setting was observed.
- By January 1981, MRSA constituted 30.6% of nosocomial S. aureus infections at Henry Ford Hospital.
Implications:
- MRSA infections can originate in the community, not solely in hospitals.
- The findings underscore the potential for MRSA to spread within both community and healthcare settings.
- This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent MRSA dissemination.
Related Concept Videos
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

