Unusual skin sepsis due to a strain of multiresistantStaphylococcus aureus

Abstract

A strain ofStaphylococcus aureusresistant to as many as nine distinct antibiotics has shown unusally high virulence as indicated by its ability to cause an epidemic of furunculosis amongst hospital nurses.

Evolution of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: the role of the skin

“…In the laboratory methicillin resistance is demonstrated either by growing the organisms at 30°C (other resistance patterns are determined at 37°C) or in the presence of high NaCl concentration. Nevertheless, Harrison & Lacey (1974) have experienced an outbreak of furunculosis amongst nurses due to a staphylococcus resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics. We have recently observed the colonization of nine patients with a methicillin resistant staphylococcus.…”