title: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the critically ill.
abstract: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is endemic within many hospitals worldwide. Critically ill patients on intensive care units have increased risk factors making them especially prone to nosocomially acquired infections. This review addresses the current situation regarding the evolution of MRSA and the techniques for identifying and epidemiologically typing it. It discusses specific risk factors, the morbidity and mortality associated with critically ill patients, and possibilities for future antibiotic treatments.
authors.affiliation: Health Protection Agency, West Midlands Public Health Laboratory, and Intensive Care Unit, Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5SS, UK.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Hardy
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Hawkey
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Oppenheim
mesh_terms: D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D012307:Risk Factors; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*