Ophthalmic Manifestations of Infections Caused by the USA300 Clone of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The USA300 CAMRSA clone, which carries Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes, can cause aggressive infections of the eye and orbit in hospital-naive patients. Treatment of infections often required debridement of necrotic tissues in addition to non-β-lactam class antibiotics. In communities where CAMRSA is prevalent, ophthalmologists should obtain microbial cultures and sensitivity studies to help guide antibiotic therapy for severe ophthalmic infections.