Environmental Risk Factors for Community-Acquired MRSA

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common bacterium that can colonize several body sites including skin and the upper respiratory tract, usually without symptoms. 1 An estimated 80% of the human population are either permanently (approximately 20-33%) or transiently colonized (approximately 60%) with S. aureus. 1,2 However, S. aureus does not always live in harmony with its human hosts and can cause both local and systemic infections that may need to be treated with antibiotics. 1 Colonization with S. aureus refers to the presence of the bacteria in a host, whereas infection is the clinical manifestation (pain, redness, swelling, and warmth) due to the bacteria. 3 Both colonized (asymptomatic) and infected individuals can transmit the bacterium to others and their surroundings. 4