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Updated: May 31, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Geographic distribution of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus soft tissue infections
Connie J Rossini1, Kevin P Moriarty, David B Tashjian
1Department of Surgery, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, MA, USA.
Purpose:
The goal of this study is to look at the geographic growth patterns of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in our local region and to determine if specific geographic areas are at increased risk.
Methods:
After Institution Review Board approval (132603-3), a retrospective chart review was conducted of 614 patients who underwent incision and drainage of an abscess by a single pediatric surgical practice from January 2004 to December 2008. In addition, previously published data from 195 patients who underwent incision and drainage of an abscess from January 2000 to December 2003 were reviewed.
Results:
The most commonly cultured organism found in the pediatric population undergoing incision and drainage was S aureus (n = 388), of which 258 (66%) were methicillin resistant. This is a 21% increase from the rate of MRSA cultures identified from 2000 to 2003. Geographic information system space-time analysis showed that a cluster of 14 MRSA cases was located within a 1.44-km radius between 2000 and 2003, and 5 separate clusters of more than 20 MRSA infection cases each were identified in 3 separate cities over the 8-year time span using geographic information system spatial analysis (P value = .001).
Conclusion:
Methicillin-resistant S aureus has now become the most prevalent organism isolated from cultures of community-acquired abscesses requiring incision and drainage in the pediatric population in our local region. Significant clustering of MRSA infections has appeared in several different cities within our geographic region.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is now the most common cause of pediatric abscesses. MRSA infections show significant geographic clustering in our region, indicating increased risk in specific areas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Abscesses requiring incision and drainage are common pediatric surgical procedures.
- Understanding the geographic distribution of MRSA is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the geographic spread of community-acquired MRSA infections in a local pediatric population.
- To identify specific geographic areas with a higher risk of MRSA infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 614 pediatric patients undergoing incision and drainage from 2004-2008.
- Inclusion of previously published data from 195 patients (2000-2003).
- Geographic Information System (GIS) space-time and spatial analysis to identify infection clusters.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (n=388), with 66% being MRSA.
- A 21% increase in MRSA infection rates was observed compared to 2000-2003.
- Significant geographic clustering of MRSA cases was identified, including 5 clusters of over 20 cases in 3 cities (P=.001).
Conclusions:
- MRSA is now the predominant organism in pediatric community-acquired abscesses requiring surgical drainage in the region.
- Identified significant geographic clustering of MRSA infections across multiple cities.
- Findings highlight the need for localized public health strategies to address MRSA spread.
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