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Gram positive cocci in clusters, Coagulase positive
Staph aureus is a ubiquitous organism that colonizes the skin/nares and can cause invasive disease.
MRSA risk factors include health care exposure (hospitalization, hemodialysis), antimicrobial use, incarceration, IDU, shared equipment and others
Highly virulent organism
Infection manifests as:
MRSA colonization: Contact precautions. To be discontinued only by IPAC. Wound infection/impetigo/scalded skin syndrome: Contact precautions.
Pneumonia: Droplet/contact until 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy received