MRSA infection of buttocks, vulva, and genital tract in women

Vulvar Abscess Caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in a Postmenopausal Woman

Infections of the vulva can present a complex differential to the gynecologist, ranging from superficial skin infections to lifethreatening necrotizing fasciitis. Recognition and timely treatment remain universal to skin and soft-tissue infections as the subcutaneous anatomy of the vulva can facilitate rapid spread to other tissues with significant morbidity and mortality. Employing a multidisciplinary team approach to care for vulvar cellulitis and abscess can guide treatment from antibiotic therapies to more aggressive surgical debridement. In this report, we describe a case of vulvar abscess caused by Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a postmenopausal woman with underlying diseases of bronchiectasis and atelectasis.

A quality improvement intervention to address provider behaviour as it relates to utilisation of CA-MRSA guidelines

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of a provider focused quality improvement educational intervention on appropriate prescribing for community associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

BACKGROUND

Patient, provider and health system factors contribute to appropriate antibiotic prescription. Achieving appropriate prescribing is critical in decreasing the burden of antibiotic resistance. Knowledge of appropriate prescribing for community associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection is the first step in shifting prescriber behaviour to evidence-based recommendations.

DESIGN

Quality Improvement Project.

METHOD

Following a review of best practice guidelines and application of the Stetler Research Utilization model, a brief educational intervention was delivered using voice over PowerPoint. Items in the educational intervention included indications for screening, particularly focusing on the role of watch and wait after culturing for simple abscesses. The intervention was delivered in a for-profit, nonacademic, urgent care setting, and assessed prescribing providers' knowledge and practice.

RESULTS

Out of 48 medical doctor, physician assistant and nurse practitioner providers, 18 (37·5%) participated; 12 of the 18 (67%) participants showed an increase in knowledge. Forty three per cent of prescribers' charts demonstrated improved practice through use of the guidelines. Out of 18 prescribers, 44% sent a total of 21 cultures for abscesses. There was no difference in practice behaviours between professional groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the increase in knowledge scores, this improvement in knowledge did not translate in dramatic change in practice, although trends in a positive direction were noted.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This quality improvement project underscores the complexity of changing prescriber behaviour and the need for ongoing interventions.

Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec type and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of vaginal and nonvaginal MRSA clinical isolates

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes nosocomial and community-associated infections, representing significant healthcare concerns. Limited studies have investigated cervicovaginal MRSA colonization and antibiotic susceptibility. Upon comparing clinical cervicovaginal MRSA isolates to nonvaginal isolates by Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec type, presence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin toxin, antibiotic susceptibility, and presence of associated resistance genes, no significant differences were observed between the anatomical sites, but were observed between our hospital- and community-associated MRSA isolates. There was a significant increase in erythromycin resistance in our vaginal MRSA isolates compared to previous vaginal MRSA reports and an increase in clindamycin, doxycycline, and mupirocin resistance in our nonvaginal MRSA isolates compared to previously reported community-based skin and soft tissue MRSA isolates. Additionally, this is the first report of mupirocin resistance in vaginal MRSA isolates.