Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infection

Staphylococcus aureus is a commonly found bacteria on the skin and in the nares of healthy people (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). However, when bacteria cause an infection, it is the primary reason patients present to emergency departments with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). The SSTIs have changed over the past four decades from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Formerly hospital acquired, these community-acquired infections are now referred to as community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). Therefore, healthcare providers now need to be more vigilant in assessing, diagnosing, and treating CA-MRSA. The treatment plan should consist of pharmacotherapy (e.g., combination therapy) and may also include incision and drainage where indicated. Treatment plans must meet the needs of the patients and match the severity of the infection. In addition to the recognition of MRSA in at-risk populations and educating the patient, the education of advanced practice nurses is also an important aspect if the spread of MRSA within the community is to be contained. This article discusses current MRSA assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. The article concludes with a MRSA case study.