MRSA
Pronunciation: MUR-suh
Also written as: MRSA — methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, requiring specific antibiotic coverage and infection control precautions in pediatric healthcare settings.
Full Definition
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics including methicillin, oxacillin, and related compounds. MRSA infections in children can involve skin and soft tissues (most common), bloodstream, lungs, or other sites. Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) often affects healthy children and may be associated with specific toxin production. Hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) typically occurs in healthcare settings and may have broader antibiotic resistance patterns. Treatment requires agents like clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or vancomycin depending on infection severity and site. Editorial attention should focus on proper resistance terminology and antimicrobial susceptibility reporting.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from MSSA (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus) and specify community vs. hospital-associated when relevant.
In Context
- "Wound culture grew MRSA sensitive to clindamycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole." — Microbiology report
- "The patient was placed on contact precautions due to MRSA colonization." — Infection control documentation