Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infection in an inner city hospital pediatric inpatient
Elizabeth Tejeda-Ramirez1, Majda Behani, Robert J Leggiadro
1Department of Pediatrics, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY 10451, USA.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a serious problem in the community setting, primarily as a cause of skin and soft tissue infections.
Methods:
A retrospective study based on the review of pediatric inpatients admitted to Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center from March 2006 to February 2007 was performed.
Results:
Eighteen (55%) of the thirty-three patients identified were infected with community associated (CA) MRSA. All patients had skin and soft tissue infections. Seventeen (94%) of eighteen CA-MRSA isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline, respectively, and eleven (61%) were susceptible to levofloxacin.
Conclusions:
Skin and soft tissue infections are the most common clinical manifestation of CA-MRSA in our population. The 55% prevalence of MRSA in our patients suggests reconsidering empirical antimicrobial choices. Surgical intervention is important in the management of these infections, and clindamycin resistance among CA-MRSA isolates should be monitored locally to determine if empiric therapy is appropriate.
Insights
Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a significant cause of skin infections in pediatric patients. High susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline suggests these as potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Medicine
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing threat in community settings.
- MRSA is a primary cause of skin and soft tissue infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections in pediatric inpatients.
- To evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of CA-MRSA isolates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric inpatients.
- Data collected from March 2006 to February 2007 at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center.
- Analysis of CA-MRSA infection prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility.
Main Results:
- 55% of identified patients had CA-MRSA infections.
- All CA-MRSA infections were skin and soft tissue infections.
- High susceptibility rates observed for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (94%) and tetracycline (94%), with 61% susceptibility to levofloxacin.
Conclusions:
- Skin and soft tissue infections are the predominant clinical presentation of CA-MRSA in this pediatric population.
- The high prevalence of MRSA warrants reconsideration of empirical antimicrobial therapy.
- Local monitoring of clindamycin resistance is crucial for guiding appropriate empiric treatment decisions.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...