The emergence of severe, community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections

The number of community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections is rapidly increasing. Most CA-MRSA infections are localized soft tissue infections; however, severe life-threatening infections have been occasionally described. This report serves to increase the awareness of severe CA-MRSA infections by presenting a fulminant CA-MRSA infection with sepsis, endocarditis, septic pulmonary emboli, and extensive soft tissue and bone destruction. A review of the literature revealed 14 cases of severe CA-MRSA infections with a median age of 13 y; 93% had no underlying medical condition. Only 1 case was initially treated with antibiotics effective for MRSA. The fatality rate was 64%, and 40% of patients who survived had significant disabilities.