This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among patients with skin and soft-tissue infections in 11 university-affiliated emergency departments across the United States. The study found that MRSA was the most common identifiable cause of these infections, with a prevalence of 59% overall. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing revealed that 97% of MRSA isolates were USA300, and 98% contained the SCCmec type IV and Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that 95% of MRSA isolates were susceptible to clindamycin, 6% to erythromycin, 60% to fluoroquinolones, 100% to rifampin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 92% to tetracycline. However, antibiotic therapy was not concordant with susceptibility testing in 57% of patients with MRSA infections. The study concludes that MRSA is a significant cause of skin and soft-tissue infections in emergency departments, and clinicians should consider obtaining cultures and modifying empirical therapy to provide MRSA coverage when indicated.This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among patients with skin and soft-tissue infections in 11 university-affiliated emergency departments across the United States. The study found that MRSA was the most common identifiable cause of these infections, with a prevalence of 59% overall. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing revealed that 97% of MRSA isolates were USA300, and 98% contained the SCCmec type IV and Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that 95% of MRSA isolates were susceptible to clindamycin, 6% to erythromycin, 60% to fluoroquinolones, 100% to rifampin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 92% to tetracycline. However, antibiotic therapy was not concordant with susceptibility testing in 57% of patients with MRSA infections. The study concludes that MRSA is a significant cause of skin and soft-tissue infections in emergency departments, and clinicians should consider obtaining cultures and modifying empirical therapy to provide MRSA coverage when indicated.