Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: pediatric otitis.
BACKGROUND
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a potentially lethal organism in pediatric patients. MRSA is an uncommon otologic pathogen that requires special diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.


METHODS
Three pediatric patients with community-acquired MRSA otologic infections were identified during 1999.


METHODS
Tertiary care ear institution.


RESULTS
All patients required intravenous antibiotic therapy to achieve resolution of the infections.


CONCLUSIONS
MRSA in children can be community acquired and can cause otitis externa, otitis media with otorrhea, or acute mastoiditis; intravenous therapy that includes vancomycin is necessary for resolution.
Santos
F
F
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Mankarious
L A
LA
Eavey
R D
RD
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008417:Mastoiditis / Q000209:etiology; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D010031:Otitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents