Pediatric neck abscesses: No increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Western studies indicate rising methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pediatric neck abscesses.
• This study investigated trends in Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and antibiotic susceptibility in pediatric neck abscesses over a decade at a single institution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of MRSA in pediatric neck abscesses.
• To analyze the microbiology and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in pediatric neck abscesses.
• To inform empirical antibiotic treatment strategies for pediatric neck abscesses.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (≤18 years) with neck abscesses (suppurative lymphadenitis, retropharyngeal, parapharyngeal) from 2006-2015.
• Analysis of microbial cultures and antibiotic susceptibility data.
• Review of prior and current antibiotic treatments.

Main Results:

• Sixty-two children were included; Staphylococcus aureus (SA) was the most common isolate (24%).
• Only one case (8%) of MRSA was identified, showing no increase.
• A significant proportion of SA isolates (31%) were resistant to clindamycin.

Conclusions:

• Contrary to Western data, no increase in MRSA was observed in pediatric neck abscesses at this institution.
• High rates of clindamycin-resistant SA necessitate careful consideration for empirical antibiotic selection.
• Findings underscore the importance of local antibiograms for guiding treatment of pediatric neck abscesses.