The Challenges of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a Community Pathogen

This multimedia presentation has been designed to educate medical and public health professionals about community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). The learner will learn about the history of past Staphylococcus aureus epidemics, the current epidemiology of CA-MRSA, biologic characteristics and clinical syndromes associated with CA-MRSA, vaccine development, veterinary issues, and surveillance issues and approaches. They will also learn about community interventions and current public health approaches to the problem. Speakers are scientists and practitioners and the specific lectures include: Historical Perspectives from Previous Staphylococcus aureus Epidemics; Current Epidemiology of CA-MRSA; Summary of Biologic Characteristics and Basic Science of CA-MRSA; Clinical Syndromes Associated with CA-MRSA and Issues for Clinical Management; S. aureus Vaccine Development; Epidemiology, Microbiology and Clinical Issues Panel Discussion; Veterinary Issues; MRSA Surveillance Issues and Approaches; Surveillance for CA-MRSA in Georgia; Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Tennessee; Roles of Clinical and Public Health Laboratories to Control and Prevent CA-MRSA; Community-Associated MRSA: Community Interventions; Public Health and Prevention Issues Panel Discussion. The CD-ROM proceedings were developed in collaboration with the Southeastern Center for Emerging Biologic Threats (SECEBT). (Symposium given on May 12, 2006)