We have now seen three patients with MRSA that are susceptible to erythromycin and clindamycin. In the past, our MRSA have always been resistant to these two drugs. Our QC results are within NCCLS specified ranges. Is this something new?

Answer:

Yes. MRSA that are not multiply resistant are being recognized with increasing frequency, particularly from patients with community-onset MRSA infections.

References:

Frank, AL, JF Marcinak, PD Mangat, and PC Schreckenberger. 1999. Communiy-acquired and clindamycin-susceptible methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 18:993-1000.

Gorak, EJ, SM Yamada and JD Brown. 1999. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in hospitalized adults and children without known risk factors. Clin Infect Dis. 29:797-800.

Kallen, AJ, TJ Driscoll, S Thornton, PE Olson, and MR Wallace. 2000. Increase in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at a Naval Center. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 21:223-226.