This document discusses methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the community. It notes that MRSA emerged as a cause of infection in the community in the 1990s. Initially, MRSA strains in healthcare settings differed from community-associated MRSA strains, but the predominant community-associated strain (USA300) is now also found in some healthcare settings. Community-associated MRSA often presents as skin and soft tissue infections. Treatment recommendations include drainage of purulent lesions, obtaining cultures, and consideration of empiric antimicrobial therapy based on local resistance patterns.