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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

An infection with linezolid-resistant S. aureus in a patient with left ventricular assist system

Axel Kola1, Philip Kirschner, Bernhard Gohrbandt

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany. kola.axel@mh-hannover.de

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|April 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A patient with a left ventricular assist device developed a linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Caution is advised when using linezolid with invasive devices or for extended durations.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Invasive cardiovascular devices, such as left ventricular assist systems (LVAS), are associated with a risk of device-related infections.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing device-related infections.
  • Linezolid is a critical antibiotic for treating serious Gram-positive infections, including those caused by MRSA.

Observation:

  • A case of infection with linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LRSA) is reported in a patient with an LVAS.
  • The patient's infection highlights a significant challenge in treating device-associated infections.

Findings:

  • The emergence of linezolid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus poses a therapeutic challenge, particularly in patients with indwelling medical devices.
  • Previous documented cases of LRSA are summarized, indicating a growing concern.

Implications:

  • Linezolid should be used with caution in patients with invasive devices or foreign materials.
  • Extended therapeutic courses of linezolid (>14 days) may increase the risk of resistance development.
  • Vigilance and alternative treatment strategies are necessary for LRSA infections in high-risk patients.

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