title: Update on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in cystic fibrosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Respiratory infection is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). One infection the CF community is particularly concerned about is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Worldwide, the prevalence of MRSA has been rising and the impact on clinical outcomes and optimal prevention and treatment strategies are unclear.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Studies have demonstrated MRSA is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes, even after taking into account severity of illness. Additionally, characteristics of MRSA strains, such as small colony variants and borderline oxacillin-resistant S. aureus, may be important in predicting the subsequent clinical course. The treatment of MRSA has had variable results and emergence of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics is a concern.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evidence to date supports MRSA infection is independently associated with worse outcomes. The next step is to build upon the current research to expand the knowledge about the impact different strains of MRSA have on infection control strategies and MRSA treatment protocols. Interventions should balance patient safety, efficacy, and treatment burden to improve the quality and length of life in patients with CF.
authors.affiliation: LeRoy W Matthews Cystic Fibrosis Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-5067, USA. ecd28@case.edu
authors.forename: Elliott C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Dasenbrook
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015995:Prevalence; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents