Outpatient Management of Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infection

During the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients presenting with skin and soft tissue infections in the outpatient setting. The predominant causative bacterium for these infections has recently been identified as community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). It is estimated that nearly 80% of infections caused by CA-MRSA manifest as skin and soft tissue infections which are of mild to modest severity. However, invasive disease and fatal illness has been reported among otherwise healthy adults and children. The rapid evolution of CA-MRSA presents a unique challenge for pediatric health care providers. As such, it is critical to raise awareness regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, and evidence-based treatment options for treating skin and soft tissue infections in the age of CA-MRSA. The aims of this article include discussion regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, and evidence-based management of CA-MRSA as well as publication of a more relevant one-page evidence-based treatment flow diagram and antimicrobial prescribing table for health care providers practicing in the ambulatory care setting.