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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in children]
P Marín Oliván1, S Ferrando Monleón, J R Bretón-Martínez
1Paula Marín Oliván, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Avenida de Blasco Ibáñez, 17, 46010 Valencia, Spain. paumaol@hotmail.com.
Objective:
The objectives of this work were to know the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections in the paediatric population of our health department, to describe the risk factors for infection by MRSA compared to those produced by methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and to know the antibiotic sensitivity profile of MRSA and MSSA isolates.
Methods:
A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of infections produced by MRSA versus those produced by MSSA was carried out during the years 2014 to 2018. Risk factors for MRSA infection were studied using a binary logistic regression model.
Results:
162 patients with S. aureus infections were identified. Of these, 25 (15.4%) were MRSA. The highest percentages of MRSA infection occurred among children who required hospital admission (23.4%). In the univariate analysis the need of hospital admission, antibiotic treatment in the last 3 months, the kind of infection and past MRSA infection or colonisation reached statistical significance. However, only the need of hospital admission and antibiotic treatment in the last 3 months maintained statistical significance in the binary logistic regression model. Correct antibiotic treatment was only prescribed in 26.7% of the MRSA infection cases admitted to the hospital.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest the need to review empirical local treatment regimen using drugs active against MRSA in infections of probable staphylococcal origin admitted to the hospital, especially if they have received antibiotic treatment in the last 3 months.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections affect 15.4% of pediatric patients, particularly those hospitalized. Hospital admission and recent antibiotic use are key risk factors for MRSA.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in pediatric infections.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant challenge due to antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding MRSA prevalence and risk factors in children is essential for effective treatment.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA infections in a pediatric population.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRSA compared to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) infections.
- To analyze the antibiotic sensitivity profiles of MRSA and MSSA isolates.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 162 S. aureus infections between 2014-2018, with 15.4% identified as MRSA.
- Hospital admission and recent antibiotic treatment (within 3 months) were significant risk factors for MRSA infection in children.
- Inadequate empirical antibiotic treatment was observed in a majority of MRSA cases admitted to the hospital.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the need to reassess local empirical treatment guidelines for suspected staphylococcal infections in hospitalized children.
- The study emphasizes the importance of considering MRSA in empirical therapy, especially in patients with a history of recent antibiotic use.
- Improved antibiotic stewardship and targeted MRSA treatment strategies are recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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