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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

Clinical outcomes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-colonized neonates in the neonatal intensive care

Young Hee Kim1, Sung Soo Chang, Yang Soo Kim

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Neonatology
|June 15, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Most neonates (newborn infants) colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) eventually decolonize, even if carriage is prolonged. Concurrent nasal and inguinal colonization at admission was linked to longer MRSA carriage in NICU infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) research
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization can persist long-term in adults, influenced by patient factors.
  • Limited data exists on MRSA carriage duration and outcomes specifically in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the outcomes of MRSA-colonized neonates in the NICU.
  • To determine MRSA incidence, colonization duration, clinical outcomes, and risk factors for prolonged carriage in neonates.
  • To track colonized neonates until decolonization over a 39-month period.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of MRSA-colonized neonates in the NICU until decolonization.
  • Nasal and inguinal cultures for MRSA screening upon admission.
  • Weekly or bi-monthly cultures to monitor decolonization status.

Main Results:

  • 10.4% of neonates acquired MRSA colonization, with a mean acquisition time of 17.1 days.
  • Median decolonization time was 36 days; 20% experienced prolonged carriage (>160 days).
  • Concurrent nasal and inguinal colonization was the sole risk factor for prolonged carriage; no prolonged carriage cases developed MRSA infections post-discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Most neonates achieve MRSA decolonization, either before or after NICU discharge.
  • A notable proportion of neonates remain colonized at discharge but decolonize within 30 months in the community.
  • No MRSA-related infections were observed in neonates with prolonged carriage within six months post-discharge.

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