Important epidemiological and microbiological differences exist between CA- and HA-MRSA strains. Therefore, strategies to prevent and treat these infections should also differ. To prevent clinical complications from CA-MRSA, it is recommended that culturing and susceptibility testing of S. aureus clinical isolates become routine practice along with more careful selection and use of antimicrobials when treatment is indicated. MRSA isolates are not susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, however, CA-MRSA infections are susceptible to some currently available non-beta-lactam antibiotics, such as clindamycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Judicious use of antimicrobials, especially in outpatient settings, can help control the emergence of CA-MRSA and limit the acquisition of additional resistance by existing strains. Regardless of origin, minimizing antibiotic selective pressure that favors the development of resistant strains is essential to controlling the emergence of these strains in both hospital and community settings.
The development of vaccines to prevent S. aureus infection in both healthcare and community settings is a top priority as multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains continue to emerge. So far, vaccines that have been developed and tested have failed in clinical trials to provide protective immunity in humans.
