Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: pediatric otitis
F Santos1, L A Mankarious, R D Eavey
1Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a potentially lethal organism in pediatric patients. MRSA is an uncommon otologic pathogen that requires special diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.
Methods:
Three pediatric patients with community-acquired MRSA otologic infections were identified during 1999.
Setting:
Tertiary care ear institution.
Results:
All patients required intravenous antibiotic therapy to achieve resolution of the infections.
Conclusions:
MRSA in children can be community acquired and can cause otitis externa, otitis media with otorrhea, or acute mastoiditis; intravenous therapy that includes vancomycin is necessary for resolution.
Insights
Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in children can affect the ear, requiring intravenous antibiotic treatment for resolution. Vancomycin is often necessary for effective treatment of these serious pediatric infections.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat to pediatric patients.
- MRSA is an infrequent cause of ear infections, necessitating specialized diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of community-acquired MRSA otologic infections were observed between 1999 and the present.
- These infections occurred in a tertiary care ear institution setting.
Findings:
- All identified pediatric patients required intravenous antibiotic therapy for successful infection resolution.
- Community-acquired MRSA can manifest as otitis externa, otitis media with otorrhea, or acute mastoiditis in children.
Implications:
- Intravenous vancomycin is crucial for resolving MRSA otologic infections in pediatric populations.
- Early recognition and aggressive treatment are vital for managing these potentially life-threatening pediatric infections.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

