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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
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Fingernail Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Possible Correlation with Soft Tissue

Kathryn D Muschick1, Robin LaCroix1, Jillian McAdams1

  • 1From the Pediatric Infectious Disease, Greenville Hospital Pediatrics, Greenville, South Carolina; and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.

Southern Medical Journal
|April 5, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Caregivers and children with soft tissue infections are more likely to carry methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under their fingernails. This suggests caregivers may contribute to pediatric MRSA infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of pediatric soft tissue infections.
  • Fingernail carriage of MRSA in children and caregivers is not well understood.
  • Identifying transmission routes is crucial for preventing MRSA infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of MRSA fingernail carriage in children with soft tissue infections and their caregivers.
  • To compare MRSA carriage rates between families with and without a history of soft tissue infections.
  • To explore the potential role of caregivers in transmitting MRSA to children.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing MRSA fingernail carriage.
  • Swabbing and plating of fingernails from children and caregivers in both infected and control groups.
  • Statistical analysis to determine the significance of MRSA carriage differences.

Main Results:

  • MRSA was more prevalent under the fingernails of children and caregivers in the group with soft tissue infections compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
  • Soft tissue infections in the study group were predominantly located in the diapering area (66%).

Conclusions:

  • Fingernail carriage of MRSA is present in both children and caregivers.
  • Increased MRSA carriage is associated with pediatric soft tissue infections.
  • Caregivers may play a role in the transmission of MRSA to children, contributing to infections.

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