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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus community acquired meningitis: a case report]
Roxana Gabriela Spini1, Verónica Ferraris1, María Patricia Glasman1
1Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde.
Abstract:
Community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus (CA-SA) infections are becoming more frequent. Most cases present an infection of skin and soft tissue, and the most invasive forms observed are osteoarticular and pleuropulmonary infections. Meningitis is a rare manifestation of Staphylococcus aureus infections. We describe an unusual case of CA-MRSA infection. An infant of eight months presented with signs of irritability and 4 days duration fever, with alternating sensory and abdomen pain. Acute abdomen surgery was discarded and hospitalization was decided with diagnosis of sepsis due to probable enteral focus; antibiotics were indicated. Blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid culture were positive for MRSA. Sepsis with meningitis by MRSA was diagnosed. On the 7th day of hospitalization the infant presented neurological signs and symptoms. On the resolution computed tomography and the magnetic resonance, images compatible with myelitis were observed. The patient complied with the 21 day endovenous treatment, and showed positive results, being discharged from hospital a month after the appearance of the symptoms.
Insights
Community-acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) caused rare meningitis and myelitis in an infant. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis for invasive MRSA infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus (CA-SA) infections are increasing, with skin and soft tissue infections being most common.
- Invasive CA-SA infections include osteoarticular and pleuropulmonary disease, while meningitis is a rare manifestation.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are a growing concern in community-acquired infections.
Observation:
- An eight-month-old infant presented with irritability, fever, and abdominal pain, initially suspected as sepsis with an enteral focus.
- Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures confirmed Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia and meningitis.
- Neurological deterioration occurred on day 7, with imaging revealing myelitis.
Findings:
- The infant was diagnosed with sepsis and meningitis caused by community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA).
- Cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures were positive for MRSA, confirming invasive infection.
- Magnetic resonance imaging indicated myelitis, a rare complication in this context.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for CA-MRSA to cause severe invasive infections, including meningitis and myelitis, even in infants.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing invasive CA-MRSA infections.
- The successful outcome underscores the importance of considering rare presentations of common pathogens in pediatric populations.
