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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

Ocular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a newborn intensive care cohort

Nevio Cimolai1

  • 1Program of Microbiology, Virology, and Infection Control, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. ncimolai@interchange.ubc.ca

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 4, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks in NICUs can cause conjunctivitis in neonates. However, serious ocular infections were not observed in this cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infections
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen in healthcare settings.
  • Neonatal intensive care units are vulnerable to outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms.
  • Ophthalmologic infections in neonates require prompt diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and clinical outcomes of MRSA-related ophthalmologic infections.
  • To assess the severity and management of ocular infections during a NICU MRSA outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • A noninterventional case series design was employed.
  • Prospective follow-up of 29 neonates colonized with MRSA over 13 months.
  • Documentation of ophthalmologic infection frequency, type, and treatment response.

Main Results:

  • Eleven neonates developed purulent conjunctivitis during the MRSA outbreak.
  • No cases of severe ocular disease were reported.
  • Conjunctivitis resolved spontaneously or with topical/systemic antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA colonization in neonates can lead to conjunctivitis.
  • Serious ophthalmologic complications were not observed despite invasive MRSA infection.
  • Prompt management of conjunctivitis is crucial in neonates with MRSA.

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