Acquisition of MRSA Through Sexual Transmission and Treatment of Carrier Status: A Case Report

Introduction. Community acquired Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a major cause of cutaneous and systemic infection, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Cook et al found heterosexual transmission of CA MRSA in three households. These results are important because sexual intercourse appears to be a relatively new and significant vehicle for the transmission of CA MRSA among family members and to the rest of the community. Case Report. 22 year-old immunocompetent male presented asymptomatic but requested a test for MRSA since his girlfriend, whom he recently had sexual relations with, had gluteal lesions, which were previously diagnosed as MRSA. A thorough physical exam revealed no abnormalities but a nasal swab was taken and sent to the lab as a precaution. Within 5 days, the lab report came back positive for MRSA and Group B Streptococcus species. Presumably, the patient acquired MRSA through vaginal contact (i.e. oral sex), evidenced by the Group B colonization of nasal mucosa. The patient was given a prescription for Mupirocin 2% Ointment. Five days later, he was free of MRSA. Discussion. Awareness of the possibility of sexual transmission of MRSA is essential to containment of the organism. This case showed that MRSA can be transmitted through oral sex. Although there has not been major research work on the subject, results have shown that when MRSA is sexually transmitted, the isolates are unrecognizable strains and potentially invasive. In fact, this novel form of transmission may explain the ability of new strains to become established in the community.