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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric emergency departments in Spain
Lucía Garriga Ferrer-Bergua1, Anna María Borrull Senra2, Carmen Pérez Velasco3
1Hospital Universitario Infantil Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain.
Introduction:
Staphylococcus aureus is a common germ in bacterial infections in children. The rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is increasing lately.
Objectives:
The main aim is to know the rate of positive cultures to MRSA in Spanish pediatric emergency departments. The secondary aims are to analyse the risk factors for MRSA isolation (patient origin, history of hospitalization or surgery in the previous 90 days, antibiotherapy in the previous 60 days, presence of comorbidity, invasive devices, prior MRSA isolation) and to analyse the morbidity of these infections.
Methodology:
Retrospective multicenter study (07/01/2017-06/30/2018) with review of patient histories with isolation of S. aureus in samples of any origin obtained in 8 pediatric emergency departments of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society of pediatric Emergencies.
Results:
During this period, S. aureus was detected in 403 patients (average age 75.8 ± 59.2 months; 54.8% male): 28.8% hospital-related infections (HRI) and 71.2% community-related infections (CRI). Overall, MRSA rate was 16.6% (95% CI: 13-20.2%); 18.1% in HRI and 16.2% in CRI (p > 0.05). The highest rates of MRSA were obtained in skin abscesses (29.3%, CI 95%: 21.8-36.8%), patients not born in Spain (52%; CI 95%: 32-72%) or patients with a previous MRSA infection (90%; CI 95% 71.4-100%). 167 (41%) patients were admitted, 12 (3%) had complications and 4 (1%) suffered sequels. There were no deaths.
Conclusions:
The overall MRSA rate was one in 6 staphylococcal infections. Higher MRSA rates were detected in samples of suppurating skin injuries and in foreign children or in children with a history of previous MRSA infection. In suppurative skin lesions, early drainage is essential and the change to an antibiotic with MRSA coverage should be considered if the evolution is inadequate.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in children are increasingly common, particularly in skin abscesses. Early drainage and MRSA-targeted antibiotics are crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Public Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of bacterial infections in children.
- The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is rising globally.
- Pediatric emergency departments are key sites for identifying infection trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA in Spanish pediatric emergency departments.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRSA isolation in children.
- To analyze the clinical outcomes and morbidity of MRSA infections.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective multicenter study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018.
- Data were collected from 8 Spanish pediatric emergency departments.
- Patient histories of S. aureus isolates were reviewed to identify MRSA and associated factors.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 403 pediatric patients.
- The overall MRSA rate was 16.6%, with higher rates in hospital-related infections (18.1%) versus community-related infections (16.2%).
- Elevated MRSA rates were observed in skin abscesses (29.3%), foreign-born children (52%), and those with prior MRSA infection (90%).
Conclusions:
- Approximately 1 in 6 Staphylococcus aureus infections in this cohort were MRSA.
- Suppurative skin lesions, foreign origin, and prior MRSA infection are significant risk factors.
- Prompt surgical drainage and consideration of MRSA-active antibiotics are recommended for suppurative skin lesions with inadequate response to initial treatment.
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