Staphylococcal infections in the era of MRSA.

摘要

Long recognized as a ubiquitous environmental organism, Staphylo coccus auveus is a well-known cause of both local and invasive infection. Distinguished in the laboratory by the production of coagulase and having a distinctive Gram stain appearance of grapelike clusters, S aureus colonizes the nares and skin in 30% to 50% of children and adults. Higher rates are noted for healthcare personnel and for those having skin disorders or burns or in individuals who use needles frequently (diabetes, hemodialysis). The percentage of children colonized with methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) remains relatively low and has been estimated to be between 1% and 10%, despite the fact that most experienced practitioners find that they have drained more skin abscesses in the last 5 years than cumulatively in their entire careers.