Community‐Acquired Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections in Otolaryngology

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Abstract
Soon after the introduction of methicillin, strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin were reported. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a common hospital pathogen, often resistant to multiple antibiotics, while causing significant morbidity and mortality. Community‐acquired MRSA infections have been infrequently documented. Most reports have been associated with intravenous drug abuse. This report reviews 15 patients with community‐acquired MRSA infections of the head and neck. None admitted to intravenous drug use. Additionally, no patient was known to be a healthcare worker. The MRSA strains showed antibiotic susceptibility and resistance profiles different from typical hospital‐acquired MRSA isolates. All but one infection resolved with adequate surgical or appropriate antibiotic therapy. Clinicians should become aware of the possibility of community‐acquired MRSA in the patient who has had continued infection despite antibiotic therapy.