Community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infection in an inner city hospital pediatric inpatient population.
BACKGROUND
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a serious problem in the community setting, primarily as a cause of skin and soft tissue infections.


METHODS
A retrospective study based on the review of pediatric inpatients admitted to Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center from March 2006 to February 2007 was performed.


RESULTS
Eighteen (55%) of the thirty-three patients identified were infected with community associated (CA) MRSA. All patients had skin and soft tissue infections. Seventeen (94%) of eighteen CA-MRSA isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline, respectively, and eleven (61%) were susceptible to levofloxacin.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin and soft tissue infections are the most common clinical manifestation of CA-MRSA in our population. The 55% prevalence of MRSA in our patients suggests reconsidering empirical antimicrobial choices. Surgical intervention is important in the management of these infections, and clindamycin resistance among CA-MRSA isolates should be monitored locally to determine if empiric therapy is appropriate.
Tejeda-Ramirez
Elizabeth
E
Department of Pediatrics, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY 10451, USA.
Behani
Majda
M
Leggiadro
Robert J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents