PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections in healthy individuals, the cause of which is largely unknown. CA-MRSA primarily causes skin and soft-tissue infections but certain strains are also associated with unusually severe pathology. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of our current knowledge of virulence factors contributing to skin and soft-tissue infections caused by CA-MRSA. RECENT FINDINGS: Isolates classified as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type USA300 have emerged as the predominant CA-MRSA genotype and in most geographic areas account for 97% or more of CA-MRSA infections. Recent key studies, such as those reporting the complete genome sequence of USA300, and the discovery of cytolytic peptides that contribute significantly to CA-MRSA virulence, lead the way for future investigations. SUMMARY: Although we have only a cursory understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CA-MRSA virulence, studies using clinically relevant CA-MRSA isolates are beginning to identify virulence determinants specific to this pathogen. Identifying CA-MRSA virulence determinants and the concerted regulation of these factors will foster development of vaccines and therapeutics designed to control CA-MRSA skin infections.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections in healthy individuals, the cause of which is largely unknown. CA-MRSA primarily causes skin and soft-tissue infections but certain strains are also associated with unusually severe pathology. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of our current knowledge of virulence factors contributing to skin and soft-tissue infections caused by CA-MRSA. RECENT FINDINGS: Isolates classified as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type USA300 have emerged as the predominant CA-MRSA genotype and in most geographic areas account for 97% or more of CA-MRSA infections. Recent key studies, such as those reporting the complete genome sequence of USA300, and the discovery of cytolytic peptides that contribute significantly to CA-MRSA virulence, lead the way for future investigations. SUMMARY: Although we have only a cursory understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CA-MRSA virulence, studies using clinically relevant CA-MRSA isolates are beginning to identify virulence determinants specific to this pathogen. Identifying CA-MRSA virulence determinants and the concerted regulation of these factors will foster development of vaccines and therapeutics designed to control CA-MRSA skin infections.
Authors: Caralyn E Flack; Oliwia W Zurek; Delisha D Meishery; Kyler B Pallister; Cheryl L Malone; Alexander R Horswill; Jovanka M Voyich Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2014-04-29 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: Ashley L DuMont; Pauline Yoong; Bas G J Surewaard; Meredith A Benson; Reindert Nijland; Jos A G van Strijp; Victor J Torres Journal: Infect Immun Date: 2013-03-18 Impact factor: 3.441
Authors: Danyelle R Long; Julia Mead; Jay M Hendricks; Michele E Hardy; Jovanka M Voyich Journal: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Date: 2012-10-31 Impact factor: 5.191
Authors: Thomas Spentzas; Rebekah K H Shapley; Carlos Acuna Aguirre; Elizabeth Meals; Lauren Lazar; Mark S Rayburn; Brett S Walker; B Keith English Journal: BMC Immunol Date: 2011-01-25 Impact factor: 3.615