Pathogens
Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

Methicillin-S (MSSA)

  • Oxacillin
  • Cefazolin
  • Dicloxacillin

Methicillin-R (MRSA)

  • Vancomycin

Vancomycin intermediate or resistant (VISA, VRSA)

  • Consult ID

Methicillin-S (MSSA)

  • Clindamycin
  • TMP/SMX
  • Doxycycline
  • Ceftriaxone

Methicillin-R (MRSA)

  • Linezolid
  • Daptomycin
  • TMP/SMX
  • Doxycycline
  • Clindamycin

Vancomycin intermediate or resistant (VISA, VRSA)

  • Consult ID

Gram positive cocci in clusters, Coagulase positive

Staph aureus is a ubiquitous organism that colonizes the skin/nares and can cause invasive disease.

MRSA risk factors include health care exposure (hospitalization, hemodialysis), antimicrobial use, incarceration, IDU, shared equipment and others

Highly virulent organism

Infection manifests as:

  • Pyogenic skin and soft tissue infection
  • MSK infection
  • Endocarditis
  • Abscess
  •  Pneumonia
  • Infection of prosthetic devices
  • Others

MRSA: Standard Precautions*

*Contact Precautions for:

  • Major skin, wounds, burns.
  • S. aureus enterocolitis in children, infants, and incontinent
  • S. aureus Scalded Skin Syndrome (Ritter's)