What is the treatment for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the groin?

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Last updated: March 28, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Treatment for MRSA infection in the groin typically involves a combination of antibiotics, wound care, and hygiene measures, with oral linezolid or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole being the preferred first-line antibiotic treatment. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2018 1, recommends oral linezolid or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the management of MRSA skin and soft-tissue infections.

Some key points to consider in the treatment of MRSA infection in the groin include:

  • Incision and drainage of any abscesses by a healthcare provider is essential, as recommended by the 2011 study 1
  • Oral antibiotic options include linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a tetracycline (doxycycline or minocycline), or tedizolid, as suggested by the 2018 study 1
  • For severe infections, intravenous antibiotics like vancomycin, daptomycin, or ceftaroline may be necessary, as recommended by the 2018 study 1
  • Wound care is crucial and includes keeping the area clean and dry, with daily washing using antibacterial soap and warm water, and applying a clean, dry dressing after cleaning, changing it regularly
  • Completing the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly is essential to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance, as emphasized by the 2011 study 1

It is also important to note that MRSA is highly contagious, so avoiding sharing personal items like towels or razors, and washing hands frequently is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection. The 2018 study 1 recommends 7-14 days of therapy, but this should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical response.

In terms of specific antibiotic dosing, the 2018 study 1 suggests the following:

  • Linezolid 600mg twice daily
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 1-2 tablets (each containing 160mg trimethoprim and 800mg sulfamethoxazole) twice daily
  • Doxycycline 100mg twice daily
  • Tedizolid 200mg once daily

Overall, the treatment of MRSA infection in the groin requires a comprehensive approach that includes antibiotics, wound care, and hygiene measures, with a focus on preventing the spread of the infection and promoting effective treatment outcomes.

From the FDA Drug Label

The cure rates by pathogen for microbiologically evaluable patients are presented in Table 18. Table 18 Cure Rates at the Test-of-Cure Visit for Microbiologically Evaluable Adult Patients with Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Pathogen Cured ZYVOX n/N (%) Oxacillin/Dicloxacillinn/N (%) Staphylococcus aureus 73/83 (88) 72/84 (86) Methicillin-resistant S aureus 2/3 (67) 0/0 (-) A separate study provided additional experience with the use of ZYVOX in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The cure rates in microbiologically evaluable patients with MRSA skin and skin structure infection were 26/33 (79%) for linezolid-treated patients and 24/33 (73%) for vancomycin-treated patients

The treatment for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the groin is linezolid or vancomycin, with cure rates of 79% and 73%, respectively, in patients with MRSA skin and skin structure infections 2.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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