Community Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) Skin Infections

Basics

Description

  • Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has unique properties that allow the organism to cause skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in healthy hosts:
    • CA-MRSA has a different virulence and disease pattern than hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA).
  • CA-MRSA infections generally impact patients who have not been recently (<1 year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (e.g., dialysis, surgery, catheters).
  • Incidence of CA-MRSA increased in the United States from 2000 until 2010 to 2013 when it plateaued for adults and decreased for children.
  • CA-MRSA typically causes mild to moderate SSTIs (abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles).
  • Severe or invasive CA-MRSA disease is less frequent but can include:
    • Osteomyelitis
    • Sepsis
    • Septic thrombophlebitis
    • Necrotizing fasciitis
    • Necrotizing pneumonia with abscesses
  • Although less frequent, HA-MRSA can still cause SSTIs in the community.
  • System(s) affected: skin, soft tissue

Epidemiology

  • Predominant age: all ages, generally younger
  • Predominant sex: female > male

Incidence

  • SSTI incidence for adult ambulatory care peaked in 2010 at 35 per 1,000 population and has since plateaued.
  • SSTI incidence for pediatric ambulatory care visits peaked in 2011 at 26 per 1,000 population, decreasing to 13 per 1,000 in 2015.
  • The incidence of MRSA-related hospitalizations decreased from 2010 to 2014.
  • Among people who inject drugs, the incidence of MRSA-related skin abscesses is increasing. Patients should receive substance misuse disorder care and be linked with syringe exchange programs.

Prevalence

  • Local epidemiology patterns vary.
  • 25–30% of U.S. population colonized with S. aureus; up to 7% are colonized with MRSA.
  • CA-MRSA isolated in ~60% of SSTIs presenting to emergency departments (range 15–74%)
  • CA-MRSA accounts for up to 75% of all community staphylococcal infections in children.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

  • First noted in 1980; current epidemic began in 1999. The USA300 clone is predominant.
  • CA-MRSA is distinguished from HA-MRSA by:
    • Lack of a multidrug-resistant phenotype
    • Presence of exotoxin virulence factors
    • Type IV staphylococcal cassette cartridge (contains the methicillin-resistant gene mecA)

Risk Factors

~50% of patients have no obvious risk factor. Recognized risk factors include:

  • Antibiotic use in the past month, particularly cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones
  • Abscess; reported “spider bite”
  • Intravenous (IV) or intradermal drug use, HIV infection
  • Hemodialysis catheter presence, history of MRSA infection
  • Close contact with a similar infection; children, particularly in daycare centers
  • Resident in long-term care facility, competitive athletes, incarceration

General Prevention

  • Colonization (particularly of the anterior nares) is a risk factor for subsequent S. aureus infection. It is unclear whether this is similar for CA-MRSA. Oropharyngeal and inguinal colonization are equally prevalent.
  • CA-MRSA is transmitted easily through environmental and household contact.
  • CDC guidance for prevention of MRSA in athletes: http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/community/team-hc-providers/advice-for-athletes.ht...

Commonly Associated Conditions

Many patients are otherwise healthy.

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