Methicillin-resistant Stahylococcus aureus in the intensive care unit

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for a large number of infections in the intensive care unit (ICU). Severe infections related to MRSA are associated with a high rate of mortality and mor- bidity. However, after adjustment for confounding factors, mortality is similar in patients with infections related to MRSA and those with infections related to methicillin- sensitive S. aureus. The prevalence of MRSA has dramati- cally decreased in France, which is due to the preventive measures used in ICUs and hospitals. Strains of MRSA that are resistant or intermediate to vancomycin are rare in France. Community-acquired MRSA, which are also rare in France, are responsible for increased mortality because of their higher virulence compared to healthcare-associated strains. Genomic characteristics allow differentiating community-acquired from healthcare-associated MRSA strains. The objective of this review is to provide recent epi- demiologic data on MRSA, and to discuss recent findings on preventive measures aiming to reduce the spread of MRSA.