Staphylococcus aureus: Hidden in Plain Sight

Staphylococcus aureus is the single most important bacterial pathogen in infections among drug users, and a leading cause of infection among people with HIV/AIDS. There is very limited understanding of the epidemiology and transmission dynamics in community settings. Understanding the epidemiology of community acquired S. aureus is especially important with the increasing emergence of highly antibiotic-resistant strains in the community. To investigate S. aureus transmission dynamics and distribution in community settings, we created a framework that integrated multiple scientific methodologies, including microbiology, epidemiology, social network analysis and anthropology. The combination of methodologies identified a large, linked, hidden network of active drug users that encompassed a recognizable community-based S. aureus reservoir with significant links to the general population. Learn more here.