New Threats from an Old Foe: Methicillin-Resistant <b><i>Staphylococcus aureus</i></b> Infections in Neonates

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a ubiquitous human inhabitant and one of the important pathogens of neonatal infections. MRSA is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, especially in very immature preterm neonates. Moreover, MRSA may be implicated in adverse long-term neonatal outcomes, posing a substantial disease burden. Recent advances in molecular microbiology have shed light on the evolution of MRSA population structure and virulence factors, which may contribute to MRSA epidemic waves worldwide. Equipped with remarkable genetic flexibility, MRSA has successfully developed resistance to an extensive range of antibiotics including vancomycin, as well as antiseptics. In the face of these new challenges from MRSA, our armamentarium of anti-infective strategies is very limited and largely dependent on prevention measures. Active surveillance cultures followed by decolonization may be a promising approach to control MRSA infections, with its efficacy and safety in the specific population of neonates yet to be addressed by large multicenter studies.

Outbreak of Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Hospital Center for Children's and Women's Health in a Swedish County

“…Newborn infants, and especially those in need of neonatal intensive care, are at increased risk for colonization and infection with MRSA due to an immature immune system . Transmission of MRSA to hospitalized neonates may result from direct contact with colonized parents, other relatives, or healthcare workers.…”

Linezolid Add-On Rescue Therapy Cured MRSA Necrotizing Pneumonia: A Case Report in a Preterm Infant

“…MRSA necrotizing pneumonia is associated with high mortality in preterm infants and its treatment is a challenge [3][4][5][6][7]. Vancomycin monotherapy is the standard treatment for MRSA necrotizing pneumonia [6][7][8].…”

“…MRSA necrotizing pneumonia is associated with high mortality in preterm infants and its treatment is a challenge [3][4][5][6][7]. Vancomycin monotherapy is the standard treatment for MRSA necrotizing pneumonia [6][7][8]. Sometimes, vancomycin fails to treat MRSA necrotizing pneumonia because of poor lung penetration and the emergence of vancomycin-resistant MRSA strains [7,[9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

Comparison of Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction and Solid Phase Microextraction of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Metabolite Profile of Staphylococcus Aureus

“…Recently, we proposed the use of SBSE and headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) simultaneously for the extraction and concentration of volatile and semi-volatile bacterial metabolites in a complex matrix [18]. The model chosen for this study was Staphylococcus aureus, bacterium able to cause a wide range of severe diseases [19][20][21][22][23].…”