How is a MRSA infection diagnosed?
In general, a culture should be obtained from the infection site and sent to the microbiology laboratory. If S. aureus is isolated, the organism should be tested as follows to determine which antibiotics will be effective for treating the infection. Skin Infection: Obtain either a small biopsy of skin or drainage from the infected site. A culture of a skin lesion is especially useful in recurrent or persistent cases of skin infection, in cases of antibiotic failure, and in cases that present with advanced or aggressive infections. Pneumonia: Obtain a sputum culture (expectorated purulent sputum, respiratory lavage, or bronchoscopy). Bloodstream Infection: Obtain blood cultures using aseptic techniques. Urinary Infection: Obtain urine cultures using aseptic techniques.
