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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in a home health-care patient

J C Hageman1, D A Pegues, C Jepson

  • 1Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. jhageman@cdc.gov

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 19, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) was identified in a home health patient. Standard precautions successfully prevented VISA transmission in this home health setting.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health concern.
  • Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) poses a treatment challenge, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.
  • Home health-care settings require specific infection control strategies to prevent pathogen transmission.

Observation:

  • VISA was isolated from a 27-year-old patient with a complicated cholecystectomy in June 2000.
  • Two VISA strains exhibited identical minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to most tested antimicrobials, differing only in oxacillin susceptibility.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed closely related genetic profiles for the isolated VISA strains.

Findings:

  • The patient received successful treatment involving antimicrobial therapy, biliary drainage, and surgical reconstruction.
  • The identified VISA strains demonstrated a specific resistance pattern, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.
  • Genetic analysis indicated a likely clonal origin or close relationship between the VISA isolates.

Implications:

  • Successful management of VISA in a home health-care setting demonstrates the efficacy of integrated treatment and infection control.
  • Standard infection control precautions are crucial and effective in preventing VISA transmission within the community and home health environments.
  • This case underscores the importance of vigilant surveillance and appropriate management of antibiotic-resistant organisms in diverse healthcare settings.

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