Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: incidence, clinical presentation, and treatment decisions.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections have been reported with increasing frequency from many parts of the world. Most infections involve the skin and soft tissue structures, and CA-MRSA is now the most commonly identifiable cause of purulent skin and soft tissue infections. The spectrum of disease can range from simple cutaneous abscesses to fulminant necrotizing infection. CA-MRSA strains, in contrast to healthcare-associated strains, are generally extra virulent and produce more toxins. Unlike the healthcare-associated strains, they demonstrate variable susceptibility patterns to various classes of antibiotics. Empiric antibiotic therapy for patients with purulent skin and soft tissue infection and for those presenting with severe, life-threatening infections should include an agent active against CA-MRSA.