In univariate analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of developing MRSA clinical infection included MRSA colonization detected in the groin at baseline, a lower CD4 cell count, a previous history of an abscess, a medical history of MRSA clinical infection, renal insufficiency, a history of syphilis, the use of certain antistaphylococcal agents in the past 12 months, contact with a prison or jail, and certain hygienic factors (Table 3, appendix). Here, CD4 is linked to syphilis.