Invasive community-associated MRSA infections: epidemiology and antimicrobial management.
BACKGROUND
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is now a predominant cause of infections in the community and is adding to the overwhelming MRSA burden in the hospital setting. CA-MRSA is most commonly noted as a prominent pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) but has been increasingly described in more invasive disease. New developments in the epidemiology and treatment of CA-MRSA have emerged to improve the understanding of this disease.


METHODS
We present the latest epidemiologic and clinical treatment studies of CA-MRSA in a variety of infection types. The methods used involve a comprehensive literature search of the previous 10 years, including a detailed focus on new literature in the last 5 years. The search terms used were 'CA-MRSA epidemiology', 'S. aureus resistance', 'CA-MRSA treatment', and 'S. aureus virulence'.


RESULTS
An in-depth understanding of the changing epidemiology of CA-MRSA and management of SSTI and more invasive infections with this pathogen. Adjunctive and alternative therapies are also reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
The epidemiology of CA-MRSA is rapidly evolving. Increasing multi-drug resistance along with virulence factors associated with this serious disease complicate its treatment. Additional clinical trials are needed to select optimal regimens in the treatment of invasive CA-MRSA infections.
University of Madison School of Pharmacy, WI 53705-2221, USA.
Solen
S
Pichereau
Warren E
WE
Rose
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents