The Changing Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus
Author Information
Author(s): Henry F. Chambers
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital
Hypothesis
Are the emerging strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the community indicative of a fundamental change in MRSA epidemiology?
Conclusion
Emerging MRSA strains in the community are likely to increase in prevalence and may differ significantly from hospital strains.
Supporting Evidence
- MRSA strains are emerging in the community, which is a shift from their traditional hospital-only presence.
- Community-acquired MRSA strains tend to be susceptible to multiple antibiotics, unlike hospital strains.
- Children attending day-care centers have shown significant rates of MRSA colonization without traditional risk factors.
Takeaway
Some germs that used to only make people sick in hospitals are now making kids sick in the community, and they might be easier to treat than the ones from hospitals.
Limitations
The true prevalence of MRSA in the community cannot be determined due to lack of systematic surveillance.
Participant Demographics
Reports indicate that young children and injection drug users have higher rates of MRSA colonization.
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