Community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: epidemiology, microbiology and clinical impact in East Yorkshire, UK.
The prevalence of community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasing worldwide. Whilst CA-MRSA has been reported in the UK, there is little information concerning its clinical impact. Here we report three epidemic lineages of CA-MRSA occurring in East Yorkshire and describe their epidemiology, microbiology and clinical impact. Although CA-MRSA was most often associated with uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections or asymptomatic colonisation, serious infection and fatalities were documented. Community-based transmission was noted in two separate households. We highlight limitations to existing definitions and propose debate to further define CA-MRSA and allow further study of its epidemiology and clinical impact in the UK.
Elston
J W T
JW
Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. jameselston2003@yahoo.co.uk
Meigh
J
J
Kearns
A M
AM
Jordan-Owers
N
N
Newton
A
A
Meigh
R E
RE
Barlow
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D016521:Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D004269:DNA, Bacterial