title: Serious infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an evolving challenge for physicians.
abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a well-recognized major cause of nosocomial infection worldwide. During the past decade, however, the epidemiology of staphylococcal infections has partially changed, with an increase in the number of patients who acquire infections in the community. The changing epidemiology is a cause for concern among physicians, leading to an increase in the number of patients with infections due to MRSA diagnosed at hospital admission and in the emergency department. The aims of this article are to review the current state of knowledge regarding MRSA infections, to identify those factors which may help physicians to recognize the patients at high risk, and to manage these infections appropriately.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Falcone
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Venditti
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents