DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i06.086

Pages: 3293-3296

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a potentially deadly strain of Staph aureus that is resistant to several antibiotics. Previously only associated with healthcare exposure, this organism now also accounts for a growing number of infections acquired in the community without any necessary healthcare exposure. Such strains of MRSA are known as Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). CA-MRSA is distinct from its hospital-acquired counterpart and was a rare phenomenon until the past decade; now CA-MRSA is endemic in many communities and is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections presenting to emergency rooms and hospitals. Fortunately, its spread can be limited with good hygiene practices. This article reviews the prevalence of CA-MRSA found at a specialist hospital, the range of susceptibilities and the significance of antimicrobial substances found in urine samples.