Treating CA-MRSA Infections: A Review of Antibiotic Therapy Selection and Patient Treatment Outcomes at a VA Institution

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections traditionally have been associated with the hospital setting. Recently, however, an increasing number of patients are acquiring MRSA in the community setting, hence, the term “community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA).” Between 2001 and 2004, the prevalence of MRSA among patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) at a Los Angeles institution increased from 29% to 64%.(1) Although CA-MRSA infections usually present as SSTIs, the incidence of invasive CA-MRSA infections is increasing. A recent study estimated this incidence to be about 14% of all CA-MRSA infections.(2)