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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

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Outbreak among healthy newborns due to a new variant of USA300-related meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

H Lee1, E S Kim2, C Choi1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|May 27, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A new community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain caused a newborn nursery outbreak. Universal chlorhexidine bathing successfully controlled transmission of this skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI).

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a growing global health concern.
  • CA-MRSA is a significant cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in pediatric populations, including neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the successful containment of a CA-MRSA outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit.
  • To characterize the specific CA-MRSA strain responsible for the nursery outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated a CA-MRSA outbreak in a newborn nursery in July 2012.
  • Performed molecular typing to identify the CA-MRSA strain, including USA300-related, PVL, ACME, ST8, SCCmec IVa, agr I, and spa t008 characteristics.
  • Implemented infection control measures, including universal chlorhexidine bathing.

Main Results:

  • An outbreak of SSTIs caused by a novel CA-MRSA strain occurred, affecting 8.5% (6/71) of neonates within one month.
  • The causative agent was a USA300-related CA-MRSA variant, PVL-positive, ACME-negative, ST8, SCCmec IVa, agr I, spa t008.
  • Rapid transmission was observed, but control was achieved through enhanced infection control protocols.

Conclusions:

  • This marks the first reported hospital outbreak in Korea involving a USA300-related CA-MRSA clone.
  • Prompt identification and stringent implementation of infection control practices are crucial for mitigating CA-MRSA spread in healthcare settings.
Keywords:
Community-associated infectionDisease outbreakMeticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusNewbornPanton–Valentine leucocidin

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