Community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: epidemiology, microbiology and clinical impact in East Yorkshire, UK.

The prevalence of community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasing worldwide. Whilst CA-MRSA has been reported in the UK, there is little information concerning its clinical impact. Here we report three epidemic lineages of CA-MRSA occurring in East Yorkshire and describe their epidemiology, microbiology and clinical impact. Although CA-MRSA was most often associated with uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections or asymptomatic colonisation, serious infection and fatalities were documented. Community-based transmission was noted in two separate households. We highlight limitations to existing definitions and propose debate to further define CA-MRSA and allow further study of its epidemiology and clinical impact in the UK.