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Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA in Rat
Published on: June 4, 2012
Clinical Presentation and Management of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pericarditis-Systematic Review
Milan Radovanovic1,2, Marija Petrovic3, Richard D Hanna1,4
1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract:
In the expanding era of antibiotic resistance, new strains of Staphylococcus aureus have emerged which possess resistance to traditionally used antibiotics (MRSA). Our review aimed to systematically synthesize information on previously described MRSA pericarditis cases. The only criterion for inclusion was the isolation of MRSA from the pericardial space. Our review included 30 adult and 9 pediatric patients (aged: 7 months to 78 years). Comorbid conditions were seen in most adult patients, whereas no comorbidities were noted amongst the pediatric patients. Pericardial effusion was found in 94.9% of cases, with evidence of tamponade in 83.8%. All cases isolated MRSA from pericardial fluid and 25 cases (64.1%) had positive blood cultures for MRSA. Pericardiocentesis and antibiotics were used in all patients. The mortality rate amongst adults was 20.5%, with a mean survival of 21.8 days, and attributed to multi-organ failure associated with septic shock. No mortality was observed in the pediatric population. In adult patients, there was no statistical difference in symptom duration, antibiotic duration, presence of tamponade, age, and sex in relation to survival. Conclusion: MRSA pericarditis often presents with sepsis and is associated with significant mortality. As such, a high clinical suspicion is needed to proceed with proper tests such as echocardiography and pericardiocentesis. In more than one third of the cases, MRSA pericarditis occurs even in the absence of documented bacteremia.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pericarditis often presents with sepsis and carries a high mortality rate, particularly in adults. Early diagnosis via echocardiography and pericardiocentesis is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) posing a significant threat.
- MRSA strains have emerged with resistance to conventional antibiotics, complicating treatment strategies.
- Pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, can be life-threatening, especially when caused by resistant pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize information on previously documented cases of MRSA pericarditis.
- To analyze clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and mortality associated with MRSA pericarditis.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for MRSA pericarditis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review including only cases with MRSA isolated from the pericardial space.
- Inclusion of 30 adult and 9 pediatric patients.
- Analysis of patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Pericardial effusion occurred in 94.9% of cases, with tamponade in 83.8%.
- MRSA was isolated from pericardial fluid in all cases; 64.1% had positive blood cultures.
- Adults had a 20.5% mortality rate, attributed to septic shock and multi-organ failure; no pediatric mortality was observed.
Conclusions:
- MRSA pericarditis is frequently associated with sepsis and carries a substantial mortality risk in adults.
- High clinical suspicion, echocardiography, and pericardiocentesis are essential for timely diagnosis and management.
- MRSA pericarditis can occur without documented bacteremia in over one-third of cases, underscoring the need for direct pericardial fluid analysis.
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