The changing epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus?

Emerg Infect Dis. 2001 Mar-Apr;7(2):178-82. doi: 10.3201/eid0702.010204.

Abstract

Strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which had been largely confined to hospitals and long-term care facilities, are emerging in the community. The changing epidemiology of MRSA bears striking similarity to the emergence of penicillinase-mediated resistance in S. aureus decades ago. Even though the origin (hospital or the community) of the emerging MRSA strains is not known, the prevalence of these strains in the community seems likely to increase substantially.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / microbiology*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology
  • Community-Acquired Infections / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Penicillinase / biosynthesis
  • Prevalence
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / enzymology

Substances

  • Penicillinase