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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in dermatology indoor patients
D Sachdev1, S Amladi, G Natraj
1Department of Dermatology, Seth G. S. Medical College & K. E. M. Hospital, Mumbai.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen. Indiscriminate and increased use of systemic antibiotics has led to the emergence of MRSA. Infected or colonized ward patients are the main reservoir of infection. Once colonized, the risk of subsequent local and systemic infections is high, especially in the elderly, and in debilitated and immunosuppressed patients.
Methods:
We report an outbreak of MRSA in the dermatology ward of a tertiary care hospital and describe measures taken to control it.
Results:
Ten patients were found to be MRSA positive over a span of three months while screening swabs from wet lesions in indoor patients. On the basis of risk assessment, they were treated with appropriate systemic and topical therapy. One patient died while the remaining nine patients showed a good response to therapy. All the MRSA isolates were found to be sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid.
Conclusion:
This is the first case report of MRSA infection in dermatology indoor patients in India.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused an outbreak in a dermatology ward. Prompt treatment of ten patients with MRSA led to good responses in nine, highlighting effective infection control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen, driven by widespread antibiotic use.
- Hospitalized patients, particularly those colonized, serve as reservoirs for MRSA transmission.
- Elderly, debilitated, and immunocompromised individuals face elevated risks of MRSA infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an outbreak of MRSA in a tertiary care hospital's dermatology ward.
- To describe the control measures implemented during the MRSA outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Screening of indoor patients with wet lesions for MRSA over three months.
- Risk assessment and subsequent treatment with systemic and topical therapies for MRSA-positive patients.
Main Results:
- Ten patients tested positive for MRSA during the three-month period.
- Nine out of ten patients responded well to therapy; one patient succumbed to the infection.
- All MRSA isolates demonstrated sensitivity to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid.
Conclusions:
- This study documents the first reported case of MRSA infection in indoor dermatology patients in India.
- Effective management strategies can mitigate the impact of MRSA outbreaks in clinical settings.
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