Overview
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to methicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic. MRSA is resistant to all beta-lactams due to alterations in the penicillin-binding proteins in its cell wall. It usually lives on the skin but can cause infection if it can invade through the skin or deeper tissues.
There are no clinical features that separate MRSA from other strains of Staphylococcus aureus. It can cause the same diseases including skin infections, bone infections, infective endocarditis etc.
Screening and Management
Screening
Patients awaiting elective surgery are screened for MRSA via nasal, oral, and groin swabs. If MRSA is present, nasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine body wash are used to suppress MRSA before surgery.
Management
Vancomycin may be used in the treatment of MRSA infection. Other treatments include teicoplanin and linezolid.
