# Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus infections among pediatric Indian patients

## TL;DR

This study examines Staphylococcus aureus infections in hospitalized Indian children, finding high colonization rates and antibiotic resistance patterns.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into colonization patterns and antibiotic resistance profiles of S. aureus in Indian pediatric patients.

## Key findings

- S. aureus infection was confirmed in 31.06% of hospitalized children.
- MRSA accounted for 46.8% of infections and showed higher antibiotic resistance than MSSA.
- Vancomycin, daptomycin, and teicoplanin were 100% effective against both MRSA and MSSA.

## Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of infections in paediatric populations, ranging from mild skin infections
to life-threatening systemic infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] has become increasingly
prevalent, raising concerns regarding treatment and control measures. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the Staphylococcus
aureus infections in hospitalized children and determine the colonization patterns and antibiotic sensitivity profiles at a
tertiary care centre. A prospective observational study was conducted on 103 paediatric patients, categorized into
S. aureus-infected and healthy controls. S. aureus isolates were obtained from clinical specimens and
colonization was assessed using nasal, axillary, throat and inguinal swabs. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the MIC method.
S. aureus infection was confirmed in 32 [31.06%] of the patients, with colonization observed in 71.87% of infected
cases. Among the colonized sites, nasal and axillary regions were the most frequent. MRSA accounted for 46.8% of the infections, while
MSSA made up 53.2%. MRSA isolates were more resistant to antibiotics compared to MSSA. Vancomycin, daptomycin and teicoplanin showed
100% efficacy against both MRSA and MSSA. Colonization was significantly higher in infected patients compared to controls, indicating
colonization as a risk factor for S. aureus infection. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns suggest that vancomycin and
teicoplanin remain effective against MRSA, but increasing resistance underscores the need for careful antibiotic selection and
preventive measures in paediatric care.