Risk factors associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in children.

OBJECTIVE To identify the clinical variables that differentiate MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) from MSSA (Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus) infection. METHODS Cases having culture isolates of Staphylococcus species were recruited. Baseline and other laboratory parameters were compared between MSSA and MRSA sub-groups to identify the predictors for MRSA. RESULTS Out of 98 isolates of S.aureus, 46 (47%) were MRSA. Significant leukocytosis was found in cases with MRSA (P <t0.03). None of the other clinical variables could differentiate MRSA from MSSA infection. CONCLUSIONS Presence of leukocytosis was twice more likely to predict MRSA than MSSA at admission. Empiric therapy must be guided by antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of regional culture isolates.