Table 1: Some differences between healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA).

Parameter HA-MRSA CA-MRSA
Genetic traits Various staphylococcal cassette chromosome (most common— USA100, USA200) Panton Valentine gene, staphylococcal Cassette chromosome IV
(most common—USA300, USA400)
Part of body affected Blood stream; Surgical site; Site of implant Skin; Lungs
Resistance gene SCC mec Types I, II, III SCC mec Type IV, V
Panton–Valentine Leukocidin producer Rare (5%) Frequent (almost 100%)
Risk population Immunocompromised individuals; residency in long term care facilities; recent hospitalizations; dialysis patients; recent surgery Young, otherwise healthy patients (most common); no recent hospitalizations; anyone
Antibiotic used in management First-line antibiotics used include vancomycin. Additional newer antimicrobial agents: daptomycin, linezolid and tigecycline. Doxycycline, clindamycin and cotrimoxazole often used.

Adapted from Popovich et al. [29] and Bassetti et al [30].