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Updated: May 17, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Pediatric Population
Carrie W Nemerovski1, Kristin C Klein
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Michigan Health System ; College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Summary
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a growing concern in pediatric skin infections. Effective treatment involves careful antibiotic selection and adherence to infection control measures to prevent outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasingly prevalent in pediatric populations.
- CA-MRSA is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections in emergency departments and hospitals.
- Risk factors for CA-MRSA differ from hospital-acquired strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and prevalence of CA-MRSA in the community.
- To differentiate CA-MRSA from hospital-acquired strains.
- To evaluate antibiotic options and outline strategies for controlling CA-MRSA spread.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MEDLINE database.
- Inclusion of English-language human studies on CA-MRSA in pediatric patients.
- Cross-referencing of identified articles for comprehensive data.
Main Results:
- CA-MRSA is a significant pathogen in children, causing over half of skin infections in many settings.
- Mild infections respond to oral antibiotics like sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim or clindamycin.
- Severe infections may require parenteral vancomycin, with clindamycin as an alternative; newer agents are reserved for complex cases.
Conclusions:
- CA-MRSA is a common and serious pathogen requiring appropriate management.
- Optimal patient outcomes depend on judicious antibiotic choice considering severity, administration, and cost.
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