Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infections at a Public Hospital

Abstract
Since 1998, community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have emerged among patient groups with risk factors unassociated with health care, including sports exposure,1-5 incarceration,6-10 intravenous drug use,11 overcrowded housing,12-16 tattooing,17,18 and poor hygiene.11-13,19 An understanding of factors promoting acquisition and emergence of CA-MRSA may aid in the development of prevention strategies. For some infectious diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections, transmission can occur via infected core groups that contribute disproportionately to new cases.20 Surveillance of the geographic distribution and secular trends of CA-MRSA infection may help identify specific high-risk community settings and groups.