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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Pediatric community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and colonization: trends and
1Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8064, USA. Elijah.paintsil@yale.edu
Purpose Of Review:
The scourge of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatrics continues unabated. This review provides information on changes in epidemiology, therapeutic considerations, and measures to control the epidemic.
Recent Findings:
The epidemiology and clinical manifestations of methicillin-resistant S. aureus have undergone important changes that pose challenges in recognition, diagnosis, and treatment for the pediatrician. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus used to be predominantly associated with localized disease among previously healthy children; however, there are recent reports of more invasive and severe diseases with some fatalities. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern is also changing with some community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus having resistance patterns indistinguishable from that of hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Thus the choice of antibiotics is becoming even more challenging in pediatrics, with an already-limited armamentarium of antibiotics. The management of common skin diseases such as furunculosis and boils now requires close collaboration between the general pediatrician and the infectious diseases specialist.
Summary:
As the burden of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus disease continues to increase, pediatricians must have a high index of suspicion and must institute appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on community or regional antibiotic susceptibility of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus. There is an urgent need for effective infection control programs, including active surveillance components, to help curb the epidemic.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are increasing in children, presenting with more severe disease. Pediatricians need heightened awareness and updated strategies for treatment and control.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) remains a significant pediatric health concern.
- Recent trends indicate a rise in invasive and severe CA-MRSA infections in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current epidemiology of CA-MRSA in pediatrics.
- To discuss evolving therapeutic considerations and control measures for CA-MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on CA-MRSA in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of epidemiological shifts, clinical presentations, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
Main Results:
- CA-MRSA infections are presenting with increased severity, including invasive disease and fatalities.
- Antimicrobial resistance patterns are shifting, complicating treatment choices.
- Management of common CA-MRSA skin infections requires specialist collaboration.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians must maintain a high index of suspicion for CA-MRSA.
- Antimicrobial therapy should be guided by local susceptibility data.
- Effective infection control programs with surveillance are crucial to mitigate the CA-MRSA epidemic.
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