MRSA: A global burden

Abstract

Staphylococcal bacteremia or sepsis is one of the most hazardous, serious and most life threatening bacterial infections worldwide. The risk is increased in those individuals with pre-existing disorders such as those disorders affecting the immune system, certain drug therapies, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and a high number of hospitalizations. More specific risk factors include the use of a central vascular catheter (CVC), urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, parenteral nutrition, tracheostomies, mechanical ventilation, and previous antibiotic therapy. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a term used for those Staphylococcus aureus strains which possess resistance to a variety of penicillins.