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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Empyema Post-COVID Infection Causing Severe Septic Shock and
Antony Arumairaj1, Ali Safavi2, Hossam Amin3
1Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Hospital Center/New York Medical College, New York City, USA.
Abstract:
Secondary bacterial infections post-COVID infection posed a major challenge to the healthcare settings during the COVID pandemic. We present the case of an 81-year-old patient who was initially admitted for COVID pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital and was managed with a course of dexamethasone and had a good outcome. However, post-discharge, the patient developed symptoms of productive cough, hemoptysis and shortness of breath. Evaluation of the patient revealed that the patient had developed a secondary bacterial infection with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resulting in MRSA pneumonia and empyema. The patient was started on appropriate antibiotics and underwent thoracocentesis followed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and decortication. MRSA infection resulted in severe septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiorgan failure. Successful intensive care unit (ICU) management of the life-threatening complications resulted in the remarkable recovery of the patient.
Insights
A patient developed severe Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia and empyema after COVID-19 treatment. Intensive care unit management led to a remarkable recovery from life-threatening complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Secondary bacterial infections complicated COVID-19 care during the pandemic.
- Post-COVID complications, including pneumonia and empyema, pose significant clinical challenges.
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