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MRSA Incidence in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

In a cohort study, there was a high incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) found among children with atopic dermatitis (AD). Children aged 2 months to 14 years were followed up for 1 year and nasal swabs from patients and contacts were collected every 2 months. The SCORAD system assessed the severity of the AD. S. aureus isolates were evaluated to determine the methicillin resistance and the clonal lineages. Researchers found:

  • Among 177 patients, 97 (82.9%) were already colonized with S. aureus and 26 (22.2%) had MRSA at the first evaluation.
  • SCORAD assessments were: mild (46.15%), moderate (37.36%), or severe (16.48%).
  • Risk factors included colonized MRSA contacts, use of cyclosporine, moderate or severe AD.
  • Protective factors include availability of running water and use of antihistamines.
  • MRSA isolates carried the SCCmec type IV.

Citation:

Abad ED, Ferreira DC, Cavalcante FS, et al. High incidence of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Brazilian children with atopic dermatitis and associated risk factors. [Published online ahead of print March 21, 2019]. J Microbiol Immunol Infect.

doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.12.014.