[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus--the pathogen].

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are resistant to all beta-lactams, and in more than 90% to ciprofloxacin and in 50-60% also to other groups of antibiotics, glycopeptides, quinupristin and linezolid excluded. A special problem is posed by glycopeptide intermediate susceptible S. aureus (GISA) which are until now rate in Germany, By molecular typing epidemic MRSSA can be identified which have a pronounced capacity for intra- and interhospital spread. MRSA are not more but also not less virulent than sensitive S. aureus.