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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

Colonization with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with atopic dermatitis:

Alexandra Balma-Mena1, Irene Lara-Corrales, Jeanne Zeller

  • 1Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.

International Journal of Dermatology
|May 21, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus colonization is common in children with atopic dermatitis (AD), but methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is rare. This study highlights the high prevalence of S. aureus in AD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus infections are a frequent complication in atopic dermatitis (AD).
  • The prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in pediatric AD patients remains largely unknown.
  • Understanding S. aureus and MRSA carriage is crucial for managing AD complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA in pediatric patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD).
  • To correlate S. aureus colonization with AD severity.
  • To analyze the clonal diversity of S. aureus isolates using spa genotyping.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, cross-sectional study involving 200 pediatric patients with AD.
  • AD severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on a composite score.
  • Nasal and skin swabs were collected for S. aureus and MRSA detection; isolates were genotyped using spa gene PCR.

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus colonization was detected in 61.5% of pediatric AD patients.
  • A high rate of S. aureus colonization was observed in both skin (43.7%) and nasal (48%) swabs.
  • Only one MRSA isolate was identified, indicating a low prevalence in this cohort; older age and higher AD severity scores correlated with S. aureus colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis exhibit a high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus colonization.
  • The incidence of MRSA among pediatric AD patients appears low, warranting further investigation in larger studies.
  • Findings emphasize the need for monitoring S. aureus carriage in AD management.

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