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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 neck abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a retrospective study of incidence

Parker A Velargo1, Emily L Burke, Evelyn A Kluka

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|September 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of pediatric neck abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) significantly increased from 2002-2006 compared to 1997-2001. Antibiotic resistance patterns remained stable during these periods.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in pediatric populations.
  • Increasing antibiotic resistance trends observed globally.
  • Limited research on MRSA trends specifically in pediatric neck abscesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the changing incidence of MRSA in pediatric neck abscesses.
  • To compare MRSA rates during two distinct 5-year periods.
  • To analyze shifts in MRSA antibiotic susceptibility over time.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 109 pediatric patients with neck abscesses.
  • Comparison of MRSA incidence between January 1997-December 2001 and January 2002-December 2006.
  • Analysis of MRSA antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant increase in MRSA incidence was observed, rising from 25% in the first period to 70.3% in the second (p = 0.0388).
  • No significant differences in antibiotic susceptibility patterns were found between the two study periods.
  • The study identified a substantial rise in MRSA as a causative agent for pediatric neck abscesses.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA has become a significantly more prevalent cause of pediatric neck abscesses.
  • Current antibiotic susceptibility profiles for MRSA in this context have not changed substantially.
  • Further research is warranted to monitor evolving resistance patterns and inform treatment guidelines.

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