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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus disseminated disease]
Clarisa Brezzo1, Diego Cecchini, Fernando Biscione
1Unidad 9, Hospital de Enfermedades Infecciosas Francisco Javier Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina. clarisabrezzo@aol.com
Medicina
|December 2, 2006
Summary
A previously healthy young man developed severe Staphylococcus aureus infection, including skin abscesses and organ effusions. Treatment with ciprofloxacin and rifampicin was successful, highlighting effective options for community-acquired methicillin-resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Community-acquired infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are increasing.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains are a growing concern.
- Empirical therapy for presumed staphylococcal infections can fail due to emerging resistance patterns.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old male presented with subcutaneous nodules, diagnosed as gummas.
- Ultrasonography revealed multiple subcutaneous abscesses, piomyositis, and pleural/pericardial effusions.
- Fine-needle aspiration yielded purulent material from which Staphylococcus aureus was isolated.
Findings:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated resistance to cefalotin, erythromycin, and clindamycin.
- Susceptibility was confirmed for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and rifampicin.
- Staphyslide agglutination testing confirmed methicillin-resistance (CA-MRSA).
Implications:
- The patient achieved a good clinical response after a four-week course of ciprofloxacin and rifampicin.
- This case underscores the increasing prevalence of CA-MRSA infections in individuals without apparent risk factors.
- Effective treatment strategies for CA-MRSA require accurate susceptibility testing to guide antimicrobial selection.
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