Which factor is a risk for community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)?

Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is primarily linked to environments and circumstances outside of healthcare settings. Incarceration is considered a risk factor for CA-MRSA because crowded living conditions, close contact among individuals, and often limited access to hygiene resources can facilitate the transmission of bacteria. This environment allows for the rapid spread of MRSA among inmates and can increase susceptibility among those who have open wounds or skin infections.

On the other hand, recent hospitalization and the presence of invasive medical devices are more closely associated with healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA), while long-term care residency is part of a healthcare setting that increases the risk of HA-MRSA. Therefore, incarceration stands out as the most relevant factor for CA-MRSA due to the characteristics of the environment that support the spread of the infection in community settings.