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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in children with atopic dermatitis
Liza Suh1, Susan Coffin, Kateri Heydon Leckerman
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Pediatric Dermatology
|October 28, 2008
Summary
In children with atopic dermatitis, Staphylococcus aureus colonization is common (80%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was found in 16% of these patients, with previous hospitalization being a key risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) have higher rates of Staphylococcus aureus colonization.
- Epidemiological data on methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in pediatric AD patients are limited.
- Understanding bacterial colonization is crucial for managing secondary infections in AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of MRSA colonization in pediatric AD patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRSA colonization in this population.
Main Methods:
- An observational cross-sectional study.
- 54 pediatric AD patients were enrolled at an academic pediatric dermatology clinic.
- Bacterial cultures (nares and skin) and eczema severity assessments were performed.
Main Results:
- 80% of patients were colonized with S. aureus (43/54).
- MRSA was isolated from 16% of colonized patients (7/43).
- Previous hospitalization was independently associated with increased MRSA colonization risk.
Conclusions:
- S. aureus colonization is highly prevalent in pediatric AD.
- MRSA colonization is present in a notable subset of these patients.
- Previous hospitalization is a significant risk factor for MRSA colonization in pediatric AD.
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