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.