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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a maternity ward]
Pål A Jenum1, Mette Walberg, Else Johanne Rønning
1Seksjon for medisinsk mikrobiologi, Laboratoriesenteret, Sykehuset Asker og Baerum, 1309 Rud. pal.jenum@sabhf.no
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of serious infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are resistant to almost all types of beta-lactam antibiotics and therefore represent a substantial medical problem.
Material And Method:
In April 2006, the Department of Obstetrics at the Asker and Baerum hospital had an outbreak of MRSA that affected four newborns. The source for the infection was sought among family members, other patients and employees, and eradication was attempted.
Results:
An employee was identified as the probable infectious source. Subsequent investigation identified 13 individuals infected by the same MRSA clone, which was Panton-Valentine-leukocidin (PVL) positive and therefore clearly a pathogen. 10 of the patients had MRSA disease, with 21 months between the first and the last identified case. For 5 of 13 patients MRSA was still detectable after the first attempt of eradication. For 2 patients, including one of the newborns, eradication has so far been unsuccessful and a third patient has acquired a new abscess after one year.
Interpretation:
Issues connected to MRSA-screening of close contacts and eradication are resource-demanding and require careful consideration of strategy, especially for small children and families with chronic MRSA carriers. Updated detailed national guidelines for MRSA management are needed.
Insights
An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a hospital involved 13 individuals, including newborns. Eradication efforts were challenging, highlighting the need for updated MRSA management guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Public health
Context:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat due to its resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.
- A 2006 MRSA outbreak at a hospital's obstetrics department affected four newborns, necessitating an investigation into the source and eradication strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the source and management of an MRSA outbreak affecting newborns and identify challenges in eradication.
- To assess the effectiveness of eradication strategies and inform future MRSA management protocols.
Summary:
- An employee was identified as the probable source of a Panton-Valentine-leukocidin (PVL)-positive MRSA clone, leading to infections in 13 individuals over 21 months.
- Eradication was unsuccessful in 5 patients after the initial attempt, with two cases remaining unresolved and one patient experiencing a recurrence.
- The outbreak underscores the difficulties in MRSA eradication, particularly in vulnerable populations like newborns and families with chronic carriers.
Impact:
- The study highlights the resource-intensive nature of MRSA screening and eradication, emphasizing the need for strategic planning.
- Findings indicate a need for updated national guidelines for MRSA management, especially concerning pediatric cases and chronic carriers.
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