Widespread emergence of methicillin resistance in community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections in Denver.

Background: Increasing rates of methicillin resistance among out-patient Staphylococcus aureus infections led us to assess the epidemiology and outcome of a local outbreak.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of outpatient skin and soft tissue infections due to S aureus in 2003.

Results: From 2002 to mid-2004, the percentage of outpatient S aureus isolates resistant to methicillin increased from 6 to 45%.