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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

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus necrotizing pneumonia in a healthy neonate

Wai Ho Lim1, Reyin Lien2, Yhu-Chering Huang3

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Division of Pediatric General Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|November 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) pneumonia is rising in neonates. A rare case of CA-MRSA necrotizing pneumonia with empyema following RSV infection required pneumonectomy, highlighting emerging invasive disease risks.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections, particularly skin and soft tissue infections, have increased in neonates since the late 1990s.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants.
  • Necrotizing pneumonia and empyema are severe pulmonary complications.

Observation:

  • A rare case of CA-MRSA necrotizing pneumonia with empyema occurred in a healthy neonate.
  • The neonate had a preceding respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
  • Despite prompt vancomycin treatment, the condition deteriorated.

Findings:

  • The neonate with CA-MRSA necrotizing pneumonia and empyema following RSV infection required a pneumonectomy.
  • This case illustrates a severe, invasive presentation of CA-MRSA in a neonate.
  • Vancomycin treatment was insufficient to control the aggressive infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for severe, invasive CA-MRSA infections in neonates, even those who are otherwise healthy.
  • Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for CA-MRSA in neonates presenting with severe respiratory illness, especially after viral infections.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management of CA-MRSA pneumonia in neonates is warranted.
Keywords:
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusNeonatePneumonia

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