[Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus community acquired meningitis: a case report]

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.