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Updated: May 13, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Clinical features and outcome of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia]
Mora Obed1, Carolina García-Vidal2, Pedro Pessacq1
1Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Rodolfo Rossi, La Plata, Argentina.
Introduction:
The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical features, treatment and prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in two different geographic regions where community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections have different frequencies.
Methods:
Observational study of patients admitted to two hospitals (one in Argentina, the other in Spain) between March 2008 and June 2012.
Results:
We documented 16 cases of CAP caused by MRSA. MRSA accounted for 15 of 547 (2.7%) cases of CAP in Hospital Rodolfo Rossi and 1 of 1258 (0,08%) cases at the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge (P ≤ .001). Most patients were young and previously healthy. Multilobar infiltrates, cavitation and skin and soft tissue involvement were frequent. All patients had positive blood cultures. Five patients required admission to the intensive care unit. Early mortality (≤ 48 hours) was 19%, and overall mortality (≤ 30 days) was 25%.
Conclusion:
CAP caused by MRSA causes high morbidity and mortality rates. It should be suspected in areas with a high prevalence of CA-MRSA infections, and especially in young and healthy patients who present with multilobar pneumonia with cavitation. Mortality is mainly related to septic shock and respiratory failure and occurs early in most cases.
Insights
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) leads to high mortality, particularly in young, healthy individuals with severe lung complications. Early suspicion and treatment are crucial for better outcomes in high-prevalence areas.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents distinct epidemiological and clinical challenges.
- Geographic variations in community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) prevalence influence infection patterns.
Purpose:
- To delineate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of MRSA-CAP.
- To compare treatment and prognosis of MRSA-CAP across two regions with differing CA-MRSA frequencies.
- To identify key indicators for suspecting MRSA-CAP.
Summary:
- An observational study identified 16 MRSA-CAP cases between 2008-2012 in Argentina and Spain.
- MRSA was a rare cause of CAP (0.08%-2.7%), predominantly affecting young, healthy individuals.
- Frequent findings included multilobar infiltrates, cavitation, positive blood cultures, and high early (19%) and 30-day (25%) mortality rates.
Impact:
- MRSA-CAP is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, often driven by septic shock and respiratory failure.
- Clinical suspicion should be heightened in high CA-MRSA prevalence areas, especially for young patients with cavitary multilobar pneumonia.
- Early recognition and intervention are critical due to the high risk of rapid deterioration and early death.
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