Pathogens
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Precautions

Contact Precautions

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.

Can be broadly divided into health-care associated (HA) and community associated (CA).

HA-MRSA is associated with many hospital associated infections ranging from minor/severe skin and soft tissue infections to bloodstream infections and severe pneumonia.

It also causes many device associated infection and prosthetic infections.

CA-MRSA is associated with skin and soft tissue infections (e.g. abscesses) and necrotizing pneumonias. However, it can also cause many severe infections as with HA-MRSA.

MRSA risk factors include:

  • Recent hospitalization
  • Residence in long-term care
  • Hemodialysis
  • Recent antibiotic use
  • Injection drug use
  • Incarceration

Highly virulent organism.

Infection manifests as: 

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

S. aureus UTI should always trigger assessment for bacteremia.

Infectious Diseases consultation recommended for all S. aureus bacteremia.