Objective:
The prevalence of MRSA infections both in the hospital and the community is increasing. Many reports have been published but a good overview of the current situation is lacking. Previous global MRSA maps lack good resolution as they only provide country level data. Here we attempt to map all available MRSA prevalence data since 1996 on a global map with a higher resolution. This provides a more accurate and comprehensive overview of the global MRSA burden at-a-glance.

Methods:
To identify the spatial distribution of MRSA prevalence we searched PubMed and google for reports and databases published since 1996 containing data on community or nosocomial MRSA prevalence in any country. The search strategy used the following key words: MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, prevalence, and country name. Also references from obtained reports were used. MRSA prevalence was defined as the proportion of methicillin resistant S. aureus strains from all isolated S. aureus strains. Survey data were attributed to points for hospital data and to point or polygons for community data. Data were entered into a geographical information system database and categorized and visualized using ArcGIS software (ESRI, USA).

Results:
Here we present a global map of both community and nosocomial MRSA
prevalence. Furthermore all locations where vancomycin resistant MRSA was isolated are shown. World regions where data on MRSA prevalence are lacking are clearly visualized, with most missing data coming from Africa.

Conclusion:
Here we present the first attempt to produce a high resolution map of global MRSA prevalence. The mapping of MRSA is an ongoing process and refinements and updates using new data are required. Mapping initiatives clearly identify where data are lacking and can be used as an incentive to fill these knowledge gaps.