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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Pediatric and neonatal Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: epidemiology, risk factors, and outcome

Robert E Burke1, Meira S Halpern, Ellen Jo Baron

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections in children increased significantly from 2001-2006. Children with MRSA bacteremia experienced worse outcomes, highlighting the need for improved prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bloodstream infections (BSI) are a significant concern in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the evolving prevalence of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on the prevalence of S. aureus bloodstream infection (BSI) among children.
  • To identify risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with S. aureus BSI in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of demographic data, risk factors, and clinical outcomes.
  • Inclusion criteria: children (<18 years) with S. aureus bacteremia hospitalized between 2001-2006.
  • Data collected included S. aureus susceptibility, timing of infection, comorbidities, and patient disposition.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of MRSA bacteremia per 10,000 hospitalizations increased from 4 (2001-2003) to 11 (2004-2006) (P=.015).
  • Hospital-onset S. aureus bacteremia was more prevalent in children younger than 1 year (excluding neonates) and increased with longer hospital stays.
  • Children with MRSA bacteremia had longer hospital stays, higher transfer rates, and increased mortality compared to those with MSSA bacteremia.

Conclusions:

  • This study documents the increasing prevalence of S. aureus bacteremia in children, particularly MRSA.
  • Populations at higher risk for S. aureus bacteremia, including neonates and Hispanic children, were identified.
  • Improved prevention methods are needed for children with healthcare-associated risk factors for S. aureus bacteremia.
Abstract

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