News and Trends » MRSA
Can A New Molecular Test Enhance MRSA Detection?
Given the substantial rates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in hospitals, early detection is vital to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. A new molecular test may significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to detect MRSA and possibly reduce transmission of the bacteria, according to the authors of a new study.
Researchers who conducted the two-year study, recently published in Critical Care, evaluated over 1,000 patients who had been admitted for longer than 24 hours to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) or surgical ICU. Authors of
Continuing Education » MRSA
Understanding The Impact Of MRSA On Limb Preservation
Given the increasing prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), these authors discuss the differences between HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA, what the literature reveals about antibiotic therapy and keys to the diagnostic workup of these patients.
Feature » MRSA
Point-Counterpoint: Should You Cover MRSA?
Yes. By Guy R. Pupp, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark A. Kachan, DPM. Given the increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, one should consider empiric coverage against MRSA in high-risk patients with infected ulcerations in the lower extremity.
The most common pathogens in nosocomial skin and skin structure infections in the United States and Canada in 2000 were Staph aureus. Researchers have stated that approximately 30 to 60 percent of all Staph aureus isolates are methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MR
Feature » MRSA
The Independent Evolution Of Healthcare-Associated And Community-Acquired MRSA
Prevalence And Risk Factors For MRSA Infections
The incidence of Staphylococcus aureus has increased dramatically throughout the United States as a cause of nosocomial infections. Based on data reported to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System from 1989 to 2003, there has been a dramatic 40% increase in the rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates from intensive care unit (ICU) patients during the study period.1 In 2003, 59.5% of ICU S. aureus isolates were MRSA.1 In addition, the incidence of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) is increasin
Feature » MRSA
How To Recognize And Treat Community-Acquired MRSA
In the past few months, we have heard numerous reports in the news about a “new super bug” that is resistant to conventional antibiotics and is sweeping through high school sports locker rooms and classrooms. The alleged new super bug is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and, more specifically, community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA).
However, MRSA is not a new type of bacteria that has suddenly appeared in the community. The organism has actually been around for quite a few decades.
In 1941, all S. aureus isolates were suscept
