The role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in skin and soft tissue infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major public health issue worldwide over the last years. MRSA is frequently implicated in the development of skin and soft tissue infections, leading to significant increases in morbidity, mortality and overall healthcare costs.

RECENT FINDINGS: In order to face the threat of MRSA, major changes in clinical management of skin and soft tissue infections are required. The identification of populations at risk for the acquisition of infections due to MRSA, together with the improvement of the diagnostic techniques, is paramount. Moreover, a number of new antimicrobials with activity against MRSA have been recently developed and approved for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, however, the use of the new drugs in the wide clinical practice remains limited.

SUMMARY: We reviewed the current epidemiology of MRSA in skin and soft tissue infections, with particular focus on implications for clinical management. The potential role of new antibiotic options against MRSA infections is also discussed.