Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children and
George K Siberry1, Toni Frederick, Patricia Emmanuel
1Pediatric, Adolescent & Maternal AIDS (PAMA) Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-7510, USA.
Abstract:
Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection incidence has increased in healthy US children. Our objective was to evaluate MRSA incidence and correlates in HIV-infected youth. Methods. The CDC-sponsored LEGACY study is a US multicenter chart abstraction study of HIV-infected youth. We identified MRSA infections among participants with ≥1 visit during 2006. We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to compare sociodemographic and HIV clinical factors between MRSA cases and noncases. Results. Fourteen MRSA infections (1 invasive, 12 soft tissue, 1 indeterminate) occurred among 1,813 subjects (11.1 infections/1,000 patient-years (PY), 95% CI: 11.06-11.14). Most (86%) isolates were clindamycin susceptible. Compared with noncases, MRSA cases were more likely older (17 versus 14 years), black (100% versus 69%), behaviorally HIV infected (43% versus 17%), and in Maryland (43% versus 7%) and had viral loads (VL) >1000 copies/mL (86% versus 51%) and lower mean CD4% (18% versus 27%) (all P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors were Maryland care site (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 9.0), VL >1000 copies/mL (aOR = 5.9), and black race (aOR undefined). Conclusions. MRSA occurred at a rate of 11.1 infections/1,000 PY in HIV-infected youth but invasive disease was uncommon. Geographic location, black race, and increased VL, but not immunosuppression, were independently associated with MRSA risk.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections occurred in 11.1 per 1,000 patient-years among HIV-infected youth. Black race, higher viral load, and specific geographic location were key risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) incidence is rising in healthy children.
- Understanding MRSA prevalence in vulnerable populations like HIV-infected youth is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of MRSA infections in HIV-infected youth.
- To identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with MRSA in this population.
Main Methods:
- Chart abstraction of HIV-infected youth from the CDC-sponsored LEGACY study (2006).
- Bivariate and multivariable analyses to compare MRSA cases and non-cases.
- Analysis of sociodemographic data and HIV clinical factors.
Main Results:
- 11.1 MRSA infections per 1,000 patient-years were observed (14 cases).
- Most MRSA isolates (86%) remained susceptible to clindamycin.
- Independent risk factors included Maryland care site, viral load >1000 copies/mL, and Black race.
Conclusions:
- MRSA incidence in HIV-infected youth is notable, though invasive disease is rare.
- Geographic location, Black race, and elevated viral load are significant risk factors.
- Immunosuppression (CD4%) was not an independent risk factor for MRSA in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...