Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Historically, infection with strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which are usually multidrug-resistant, has been acquired by persons in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care institutions. These infections are known as health care-associated MRSA infections. Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infection, which bears significant similarities to and differences from health care-associated MRSA infection, appears to be on the rise and has been described in several well-defined populations, such as children, incarcerated persons, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, sports participants, and military personnel. CA-MRSA infection has caused severe morbidity and death in otherwise healthy persons. Proven, reproducible strategies and programs for preventing the emergence and spread of CA-MRSA are lacking. Further surveillance and epidemiological and clinical studies on CA-MRSA infections are necessary for documenting the extent of the problem and for developing and evaluating effective prevention and control efforts.
Weber
J Todd
JT
Office of Antimicrobial Resistance, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. jtw5@cdc.gov
D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D008889:Military Personnel; D010139:Pacific Islands / Q000208:ethnology; D011329:Prisoners; D012307:Risk Factors; D013177:Sports; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology