Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in ICU patients.
The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in patients admitted to the intensive care unit has dramatically increased in recent years, with an associated increase in morbidity and mortality and the costs of caring for patients with MRSA infections. Although indiscriminate and inappropriate use of antibiotics has contributed to this phenomenon, horizontal transmission of MRSA between patients and health care providers is the principal cause of this observed increase. This article discusses the pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of MRSA infections in critically ill patients.
Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
Ramachandra R
RR
Sista
Gina
G
Oda
Juliana
J
Barr
D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D011023:Pneumonia, Staphylococcal / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity