The rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric neck abscesses

Timothy S. Thomason, Amy Brenski, John McClay, Dale Ehmer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pediatric neck abscesses and compare these with abscesses caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and other organisms (non-SA). Study Design: Retrospective review of 245 children who underwent incision and drainage of neck abscesses from January 1, 2001, to December 1, 2005. Results: The yearly incidence of MRSA increased from 9 percent to 40 percent during the study period. Abscesses in medial locations were less common in the MRSA group (P < 0.01) and MSSA group (P < 0.001) compared with the non-SA group. Average patient ages were MRSA 18.9 months, MSSA 18.7 months, and non-SA 47.6 months. Complication rates were MRSA 8 percent, MSSA 5 percent, and non-SA 5 percent. Conclusions: The incidence of MRSA in pediatric neck abscesses is increasing dramatically. MRSA and MSSA usually infect younger patients in the lateral locations. Clinical courses were similar in all groups.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)459-464
Number of pages6
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume137
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric neck abscesses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this