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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus disease in Panama]
K Luciani1, J Nieto-Guevara, X Sáez-Llorens
1Servicio de Infectología, Hospital del Niño, Panamá, República de Panamá. kathialuciani@yahoo.com
Introduction:
Infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are increasing worldwide. The clinical spectrum of the disease ranges from nasal colonization to superficial and invasive infections.
Objectives:
To describe the frequency, clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with MRSA disease in children under 15 years old. To establish the prevalence of colonization and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates.
Material And Methods:
Retrospective study. Included subjects; aged 1 month to 15 years old treated in the Hospital del Niño in Panama with invasive or superficial infection by S. aureus in the period from June 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Carrier status was assessed by performing nasal swabs. Demographic, clinical features, treatment of disease and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Results:
A total of 146 subjects were collected with S.aureus infections, of which 8.9% (13/146) were infected by MRSA. Community-acquired MRSA accounted for 38.5% of the isolates. We did not identify any risk factors for developing MRSA infections. The prevalence of nasal carriage was 8.3%. The resistance rates to erythromycin and clindamycin were 15.4%.
Conclusions:
The incidence of MRSA infections was low compared with other regions. We recommend active surveillance in order to establish measures to prevent nosocomial infections and treatment guidelines based on local epidemiological criteria.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in children under 15 are uncommon in Panama, with a low incidence of 8.9%. Active surveillance is recommended to prevent hospital-acquired infections and guide treatment based on local data.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a growing global health concern.
- MRSA infections present a wide clinical spectrum, from nasal colonization to severe invasive diseases.
- Understanding MRSA epidemiology in pediatric populations is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency, clinical features, and risk factors of MRSA infections in children under 15 years old.
- To establish the prevalence of MRSA colonization and its antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
- To provide data for local treatment guidelines and infection control measures.
Summary:
- A retrospective study in Panama found an 8.9% MRSA infection rate among 146 children with Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Community-acquired MRSA constituted 38.5% of isolates, with no identified risk factors for MRSA infection.
- Nasal carriage prevalence was 8.3%, and resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 15.4%.
Impact:
- The study indicates a low incidence of MRSA infections in this pediatric cohort compared to other regions.
- Findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance to prevent nosocomial MRSA infections.
- Results support the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines tailored to local epidemiological data.
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