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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Concurrent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Septicemia and Thyroid Abscess in a Young Male with Dengue
Durga Shankar Meena1, Deepak Kumar1, Gopal Krishana Bohra1
1Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Background:
Dengue fever is an arthropod-borne viral infection with a very high incidence rate in Southeast Asia. Most patients present with self-limiting febrile illness, while some patients may develop complications like acute kidney injury, acute liver failure, myocarditis or Guillain- Barre syndrome. The coexistence of Dengue and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) is rarely reported in the literature.
Case:
A 28-year-old male is presented with high-grade fever, polyserositis and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated symptomatically for dengue infection. During the course of hospitalization, patient developed neck swelling (thyroid abscess) and left forearm abscess. MRSA was isolated from blood culture and pus, and successfully treated with iv antibiotics (Vancomycin).
Conclusion:
High anticipation and vigilance are required to detect concurrent bacteremia in dengue patients. Early recognition of warning signs with readily antibiotic therapy is important to prevent mortality and morbidity in these patients. Our report also highlights the MRSA as a rare cause of thyroid abscess, with only 5 cases reported in the literature so far.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare co-infection of Dengue fever with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing severe complications in dengue patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Dengue fever is a prevalent arthropod-borne viral illness in Southeast Asia.
- While typically self-limiting, dengue can lead to severe complications including organ failure.
- Concurrent infections, particularly with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are infrequently documented.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male presented with symptoms consistent with dengue infection, including fever, polyserositis, and thrombocytopenia.
- During hospitalization, the patient developed secondary bacterial infections: a thyroid abscess and a forearm abscess.
- Blood and pus cultures confirmed the presence of MRSA.
Findings:
- The patient received symptomatic treatment for dengue.
- MRSA was successfully eradicated with intravenous Vancomycin.
- This case represents a rare instance of MRSA causing a thyroid abscess.
Implications:
- Vigilance for concurrent bacteremia in dengue patients is essential.
- Prompt recognition of warning signs and initiation of antibiotic therapy can prevent severe outcomes.
- This report underscores MRSA as a rare etiology of thyroid abscess, with limited prior cases.
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