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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

Staphylococcus aureus colonization in children with community-associated Staphylococcus aureus skin infections and

Stephanie A Fritz1, Patrick G Hogan, Genevieve Hayek

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO 63110, USA. fritz_s@kids.wustl.edu

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|June 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Household contacts of children with skin infections often carry Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) colonization was common, particularly in parents and the inguinal folds.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common in children.
  • Understanding S. aureus colonization in household contacts is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of S. aureus colonization in household contacts of children with SSTIs.
  • To identify risk factors for S. aureus colonization in these contacts.
  • To map the anatomic sites of S. aureus colonization in both patients and their contacts.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted.
  • Participants included pediatric patients with S. aureus SSTI and their household contacts.
  • S. aureus colonization was assessed in various body sites, including the nose, axilla, and inguinal folds.

Main Results:

  • Over half (53%) of household contacts were colonized with S. aureus.
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was prevalent, colonizing 19% of contacts.
  • Parents had a higher likelihood of MRSA colonization (OR, 1.72).
  • The inguinal folds were a frequent site for MRSA colonization (OR, 1.67), while the nose was more commonly colonized by methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) (OR, 1.75).

Conclusions:

  • Household contacts of children with S. aureus SSTI exhibit a high rate of MRSA colonization.
  • The inguinal fold represents a significant colonization site for MRSA.
  • Findings suggest the importance of the inguinal fold in active surveillance programs for MRSA in healthcare settings.
Abstract

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