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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

European ST80 community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus orbital cellulitis in a neonate

Evangelia E Tsironi1, Fani Zacharaki, Ioanna N Grivea

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University General Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Medical School Biopolis, Larissa 41110, Greece.

BMC Ophthalmology
|April 12, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) can cause serious orbital cellulitis in healthy neonates. Prompt, targeted antibiotic therapy is crucial for successful treatment and preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses significant risks in both hospital and community settings.
  • Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections are increasingly recognized, extending beyond typical hospital environments.
  • This report details the first known case of CA-MRSA ST80 orbital cellulitis in a healthy neonate.

Observation:

  • A 28-day-old infant presented with symptoms of right orbital cellulitis, including proptosis, periocular edema, and redness.
  • Initial empirical treatment included intravenous daptomycin, rifampin, and ceftriaxone.
  • Cultures identified the causative agent as Panton-Valentine leukocidine-positive ST80 MRSA.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with orbital cellulitis caused by a specific strain of CA-MRSA (ST80).
  • A 42-day course of combination antimicrobial therapy successfully controlled the infection.
  • Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidine in the MRSA isolate.

Implications:

  • Neonates, even those without prior health issues, are vulnerable to CA-MRSA orbital cellulitis.
  • Early recognition and appropriate empirical antibiotic selection based on local MRSA epidemiology are vital.
  • Timely treatment can prevent severe ocular and systemic complications in affected infants.

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