Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
One of several ongoing studies focuses on staphylococcal bacteria—common causes of skin infections, surgical wound infections, pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of antibiotic-resistant staph that occurs in hospitals or other health care settings, though it is becoming more common in community settings. Due to living and interacting in close-quarters, military recruits are at increased risk for community-acquired MRSA infections (CA-MRSA). In a study at Quantico Marine Base, IDCRP researchers are looking at methods to decrease the risk of infections due to CA-MRSA using accepted de-colonization strategies, such as topical preventive techniques.