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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a cause of extensive retropharyngeal abscess in two infants

Abby F Fleisch1, Sheila Nolan, Jeffrey Gerber

  • 1Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause severe retropharyngeal abscesses in infants. This serious infection, sometimes linked to jugular vein thrombosis, may become more common in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing public health concern, particularly in community-acquired infections.
  • Retropharyngeal abscesses are deep neck infections that can lead to serious complications, especially in infants.

Observation:

  • Two cases of extensive MRSA retropharyngeal abscesses in young infants are presented.
  • One infant experienced a reactive thrombosis of the jugular vein secondary to the abscess.

Findings:

  • MRSA is an emerging pathogen causing severe retropharyngeal abscesses in the pediatric population.
  • The association between MRSA retropharyngeal abscess and jugular vein thrombosis highlights the potential severity of these infections.

Implications:

  • Increased frequency of severe MRSA infections, including retropharyngeal abscesses, is anticipated in young infants.
  • Early recognition and prompt management are crucial for infants presenting with symptoms suggestive of deep neck infections.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and optimal treatment strategies for MRSA-related infections in neonates and young infants.

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