Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Epidemiology, diagnostics, therapy, and prevention [Infektionen durch methicillin-resistente Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) : Epidemiologie, diagnostik, therapie und prävention]

The increasing number of complicated soft-tissue or invasive infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a frequent reason for elaborate treatment regimens. Unidentified MRSA carriers may be the origin of endemic spread to other patients and medical staff. Recently, community-associated cMRSA with particular virulence factors were isolated from persons without the typical history of hospital contacts. Molecular tools for the timely detection of the mecA resistance gene for the identification of MRSA in medical test specimens have become a standard approach in MRSA-related diagnostic procedures. The actual therapy of MRSA infections requires consideration of both the appropriate spectrum of activity and the adequate pharmacological properties of a chosen antimicrobial. Preventive strategies rel s: epidemiology, underlying mechanisms, and associated risks Clin Microbiol Rev 10 505 20.