Pathogens
Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

Gram positive cocci in clusters, Coagulase positive

Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous organism that colonizes the skin/nares and can cause invasive disease.

MRSA risk factors include:

  • Health care exposure

  • Antimicrobial use

  • Incarceration

  • IDU

  • Shared equipment

  • Others

  • Pyogenic skin and soft tissue infection

  • MSK infection

  • Endocarditis

  • Abscess

  • Pneumonia

  • Infection of prosthetic devices

  • Others

MSSA - Standard precautions.

MRSA - Requires contact precautions.