Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 10, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Staphylococcus aureus Central Nervous System Infections in Children

Jesus G Vallejo1, Alexandra N Cain, Edward O Mason

  • 1From the *Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Staphylococcus aureus central nervous system (CNS) infections are uncommon but can be severe. Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) caused most cases, often linked to devices, while methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) emerged in community settings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) infections due to Staphylococcus aureus are rare in children.
  • This study reviews the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of S. aureus CNS infections in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus CNS infections in a pediatric population.
  • To understand the evolving epidemiology of S. aureus CNS infections, including the roles of MSSA and MRSA.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric cases with S. aureus CNS infection (positive CSF cultures or spinal epidural abscess) from 2001-2013.
  • Analysis of infection sources (device-associated, postoperative, hematogenous), causative strains (MSSA vs. MRSA), treatments, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Out of 68 patients, 70 S. aureus CNS infections were identified, with 70% secondary to CNS devices.
  • Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) accounted for 67.2% of infections, while methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) caused 32.8%, often in community-acquired cases (USA300/pvl).
  • Most patients received nafcillin (MSSA) or vancomycin (MRSA); MRSA infections showed a favorable response to vancomycin, though optimal trough levels and combination therapy effects were uncertain. Only one death occurred.

Conclusions:

  • The epidemiology of invasive S. aureus CNS infections is dynamic, with MSSA remaining predominant, often associated with neurosurgical procedures.
  • Community-acquired S. aureus meningitis and spinal epidural abscesses occurred in previously healthy children.
  • Vancomycin appears effective for MRSA CNS infections, but further research is needed on optimal dosing strategies and the benefits of combination therapy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens10:08

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens

Published on: April 17, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...