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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
A community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscess
Vivien W Y Wong1, Y S Cheung, John Wong
1Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|June 4, 2010
Summary
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) liver abscesses are rare. This case highlights a successful treatment with drainage and linezolid, emphasizing the growing threat of CA-MRSA.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are increasingly prevalent.
- Liver abscesses are typically caused by pyogenic bacteria, with different epidemiological patterns.
- Prolonged antibiotic use can be a risk factor for developing resistant bacterial infections.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male presented with intermittent fever.
- The patient had a history of extensive antibiotic use for acne and skin abscesses.
- A liver abscess was diagnosed in the patient.
Findings:
- The liver abscess was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and a prolonged course of linezolid.
- This represents the first reported case of a CA-MRSA liver abscess in Hong Kong.
- The causative organism was identified as community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Implications:
- This case underscores the emerging threat of multidrug-resistant organisms like CA-MRSA in causing severe infections.
- It suggests a potentially distinct epidemiology and route of infection for CA-MRSA liver abscesses compared to pyogenic liver abscesses.
- Highlights the importance of considering CA-MRSA in liver abscesses, especially in patients with relevant risk factors.
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