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Management and Treatment Considerations for Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, UAB School of Medicine Huntsville Regional Medical Campus-Division of Internal Medicine, Huntsville, Alabama, wargoka{at}auburn.edu

Edward H. Eiland, III, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, CGP

Huntsville Hospital Department of Pharmacy, Huntsville, Alabama

Lea S. Eiland, PharmD, BCPS

Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn, Alabama

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have been documented since the 1960s. Four decades later, this microorganism has evolved from a pathogen found primarily in the health care environment to a major pathogen of community-acquired infections. Interestingly, the community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates tend to be genetically distinct from their health-care–acquired relatives, have a propensity to be more virulent, yet be susceptible to more antibiotics. Furthermore, infections caused in the pediatric population have a susceptibility pattern that differs from those found in adults. With an increase in infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, empiric therapy should contain an agent with activity against this microorganism. Currently several options exist for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, yet very few options are available for the treatment of more invasive diseases caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This article will review the history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus economic considerations, and the current plus future treatment options for these infections.

Key Words: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus • vancomycin • minimum inhibitory concentrations • healthcare—acquired infections • community-acquired infections

This version was published on October 1, 2008

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 21, No. 5, 324-336 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0897190008318501


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