Abstract

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATED METHICILLIN RESISTANT S.aureus (CA-MRSA) INFECTIONS

Javid Ahmad Bhat*, Rajesh Kumar Tenguria

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly found on the skin, axillae, perineum, and in the nares of healthy individuals. At least 30% of the population may permanently or intermittently carry S. aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common and important pathogen, responsible for the majority of nosocomial infections. S.aureus is an opportunistic bacterium, normally, part of the human micro-flora but, attacks immediately when the immune system of the host becomes susceptible. MRSA associated with healthcare has posed a major problem throughout the world. The recent rapid rise of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has further added to the burden of MRSA infections. Thus, attention has been increasingly focused on the severity and frequency of infections caused by MRSA, and its greater clinical and economic impact compared to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Infections caused by communityacquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) have become epidemic over the last decade. Treatment of infections caused by this organism is problematic due to its resistance to many drugs. Recent reports of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections in patients with no known risk factors have serious public health implications. Therapeutic options for these infections are untested; therefore, the potential exists for high morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: CA-MRSA, Soft tissue infections, Nasal carriage, Morbidity