Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Clinical study of 37 pneumonia patients in whom MRSA was identified from sputum]
Chie Moritani1, Yasuyuki Taooka, Akiko Mito
1Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital.
Abstract:
When we studied the clinical aspects of 37 pneumonia patients with underlying respiratory disease in whom MRSA 1 + was identified from sputum, 43.2% of these 37 pneumonia cases were diagnosed as MRSA colonization. The whole clinical course of these pneumonia patients with MRSA colonization was average 39.5 days, on the other hand, the whole clinical course of MRSA pneumonia group was 55.3 days. We should consider that MRSA must be a cause of pneumonia, in only such cases as follows; (1) patients with unstable diabetes mellitus, or with long-term administration of steroid, (2) patients with infiltrative shadows appeared not only in the lower lobe but also the upper lobe in the chest x-ray films, (3) patients with remarkable decrease of PaO2 or patients who failed to recover within one month from MRSA isolation, (4) patients with nosocomial pneumonia or patients with poor performance status or poor prognosis, (5) patients with purulent sputum containing MRSA or other bacteria such as K. pneumoniae etc and patients who failed to respond to general antibacterial agents.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization was diagnosed in 43.2% of pneumonia patients. MRSA colonization cases had shorter clinical courses compared to confirmed MRSA pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Microbiology
Context:
- Pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Distinguishing between MRSA colonization and MRSA pneumonia is crucial for effective treatment.
- Patients with underlying respiratory conditions are at increased risk.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of pneumonia patients with MRSA identified in sputum.
- To differentiate between MRSA colonization and MRSA pneumonia.
- To identify clinical indicators suggestive of MRSA pneumonia.
Summary:
- A study of 37 pneumonia patients with MRSA in sputum found 43.2% had MRSA colonization.
- MRSA colonization cases had an average clinical course of 39.5 days, versus 55.3 days for MRSA pneumonia.
- Specific clinical factors, including comorbidities, radiographic findings, and treatment response, help identify MRSA pneumonia.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of considering MRSA as a causative agent in specific pneumonia cases.
- Provides criteria for diagnosing MRSA pneumonia, aiding in timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Informs clinical decision-making for managing pneumonia in patients with MRSA detection.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction