Risk factors for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in an outbreak of disease among military trainees in San Diego, California, in 2002

J Clin Microbiol. 2004 Sep;42(9):4050-3. doi: 10.1128/JCM.42.9.4050-4053.2004.

Abstract

An outbreak of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin infections was observed in a population of U.S. military trainees in the summer of 2002. A questionnaire was developed and administered to 206 trainees, 22 of whom had MRSA infections. Factors associated with infection were described by multivariable logistic regression modeling and included having a roommate in training with a prior skin infection (odds ratio [OR] = 3.44) or having a family member or friend who worked in a health care setting (OR = 2.79). Previous antibiotic use, hospitalization, or health problems were not associated with MRSA infection. This outbreak of MRSA skin infections in an otherwise-healthy, well-defined, military population provided an opportunity to describe risk factors for CA-MRSA which may help focus prevention efforts in this and other communities.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • California / epidemiology
  • Demography
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Military Personnel*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Skin Diseases / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*