Pathogens
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

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:

  • Pyogenic skin and soft tissue infection
  • MSK infection
  • Endocarditis
  • Abscess
  • Pneumonia
  • Infection of prosthetic devices
  • Others

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