Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: status and trends.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been a pathogen of serious concern to both the health care and public health communities since the 1960s. This article focuses on the most serious strains of MRSA, hospital-acquired/health care-associated MRSA. Signs and symptoms of MRSA infection are described, in addition to the modes of transmission, laboratory techniques for identifying MRSA, and treatment options. Global MRSA rates are presented and prevention technologies are discussed. Finally, multiagency suggestions for eradicating MRSA are presented, such as strict adherence to standard contact precautions and hand hygiene practices within the medical community.