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Updated: Jun 10, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus infection in neonates- a major concern and a call for action
Samaha Saleh Mustapha1, Musa Aishatu Zaidu1, Muhammad Shamsuddeen Yusuf2
1Department of Paediatrics, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Background:
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is both a human commensal and a pathogen that causes neonatal infection which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its genetic flexibility and versatility have equipped it with the ability to develop resistance to numerous antibiotics. Outbreaks of infections in neonatal intensive care units as well as community infections have been reported mostly in developed countries. However, there is a paucity of data on neonatal MRSA infection in developing countries. The study aims to highlight cases of MRSA infection, describe the clinical presentation, and outline the antibiotic susceptibility pattern among term neonates in our facility.
Methodology:
It was a prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study carried out from October 2018 to July 2019. A total of 248 term neonates with suspected sepsis were enrolled in the study and had their blood samples taken for investigations including blood culture. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were carried out using MicrobactTM24E (Oxiod UK) and Staph ID and modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique respectively.
Results:
Out of the 248 subjects enrolled in the study, 34.2% had proven sepsis, with Staphylococcus species accounting for 56.4% of these cases. Among those with staphylococcal sepsis, 56.3% were found to have MRSA infection. Notably, the majority (94.4%) of cases originated from outside the hospital, presenting as neonatal sepsis with non-specific clinical features. Sensitivity testing revealed that ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol were the most effective antibiotics against the identified pathogens.
Conclusion:
The presence of MRSA infections in neonates poses a critical public health threat. This trend underscores the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, potentially compromising treatment efficacy and jeopardizing neonatal well-being. Urgent and decisive measures are necessary to curb this trajectory.
Insights
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing threat in neonatal sepsis, with most cases originating outside hospitals. Ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol showed effectiveness against MRSA in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Infectious diseases
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen causing neonatal infections with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Neonatal MRSA infection data from developing countries is limited.
- MRSA exhibits genetic flexibility, leading to antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight MRSA infection cases in term neonates.
- To describe the clinical presentation of neonatal MRSA infections.
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of MRSA in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study.
- 248 term neonates with suspected sepsis enrolled.
- Blood cultures, bacterial identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed.
Main Results:
- 34.2% of neonates had proven sepsis; Staphylococcus species caused 56.4%.
- MRSA infection identified in 56.3% of staphylococcal sepsis cases.
- 94.4% of MRSA cases originated outside the hospital.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal MRSA infections represent a critical public health threat.
- Antimicrobial resistance in MRSA compromises treatment efficacy.
- Urgent measures are needed to control the spread of MRSA in neonates.
