MRSA--what is it, and how do we deal with the problem?

Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2005 Apr;9(2):253-65. doi: 10.1517/14728222.9.2.253.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a serious nosocomial pathogen, and more recent reports in the scientific literature underscore the potential issues with emerging community-MRSA. MRSA is reported to be involved in > 50% of hospital S. aureus infections, more in the intensive care unit (ICU) than the non-ICU, and increases in multi-drug resistant MRSA and increasingly virulent MRSA have been reported. Together with its broad-based beta-lactam resistance, MRSA often possesses a multi-drug resistance genotype, including cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and macrolide resistances. MRSA has now emerged as the predominant nosocomial Gram-positive pathogen, and it has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Action must be taken to contain and eradicate MRSA through a combination of infection control, the development of novel anti-MRSA agents, development of vaccines and other non-traditional approaches of intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / physiology
  • Drugs, Investigational / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance / drug effects*
  • Methicillin Resistance / physiology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Drugs, Investigational