Pathogens
Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General Information

Gram positive cocci in clusters, Coagulase positive, MRSA is PBP2a 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 and others

MSSA - Standard precautions

MRSA requires contact precautions.