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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in otitis-prone children.
Haidy A Marzouk1, Rita Nathawad, Margaret R Hammerschlag
1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization was found in 3.9% of children undergoing ear tube surgery. MRSA colonization did not predict postoperative ear infections (otorrhea) in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion and recurrent acute otitis media are common in children.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen in community and hospital settings.
- Understanding MRSA colonization in pediatric surgical populations is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization in children undergoing bilateral myringotomy and tube insertion.
- To investigate the association between MRSA colonization and the occurrence of postoperative otorrhea.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study in a pediatric otolaryngology practice.
- Nasopharyngeal, ear, and adenoid cultures were obtained during surgery for S. aureus and MRSA detection.
- Patients were monitored for the development of postoperative otorrhea.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of S. aureus colonization was 7.9%, with MRSA colonization at 3.9%.
- MRSA isolates showed resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin.
- Thirty-five percent of patients developed otorrhea; MRSA colonization was not a predictor, but younger age was.
Conclusions:
- MRSA colonization rates in otitis-prone children are comparable to the general pediatric population.
- Preoperative MRSA colonization does not appear to increase the risk of postoperative otorrhea following myringotomy and tube insertion.
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