Author:
Gutierrez-Tobar Ivan,Carvajal Cristobal,Vasquez-Hoyos Pablo,Díaz-Díaz Alejandro,Londono Ruiz Juan Pablo,Andrade Joam,Camacho-Cruz Jhon,Restrepo-Gouzy Andrea,Trujillo-Honeysberg Monica,Mesa-Monsalve Juan Gonzalo,Perez Ignacio,Von Moltke Richard,Beltran-Echeverry Maria,Toro Jessica F.,Niño Angela P.,Camacho-Moreno Germán,Calle-Giraldo Juan Pablo,Cabeza Nancy Yhomara,Sandoval-Calle Lina Marcela,Perez Camacho Paola,Patiño Niño Jaime,Araque-Muñoz Paula,Rodríguez-Peña Yazmin,Beltran-Arroyave Claudia,Chaucanez-Bastidas Yamile,Lopez Juan,Galvis-Trujillo Diego,Beltrán-Higuera Sandra,Marino Ana-Cristina,González Leal Natalia,Luengas Monroy Miguel Ángel,Hernandez-Moreno Derly Carolina,Vivas Trochez Rosalba,Garces Carlos,López-Medina Eduardo
Abstract
BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations worldwide. The Staphylo Research Network conducted an extensive study on pediatric patients across Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of S. aureus in this patient group.MethodsWe analyzed S. aureus isolates from WHONET-reporting centers. An “event” was a positive culture isolation in a previously negative individual after 2 weeks. We studied center characteristics, age distribution, infection type, and antibiotic susceptibilities, comparing methicillin sensitive (MSSA) and resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates.ResultsIsolates from 20 centers across 7 Colombian cities were included. Most centers (80%) served both adults and children, with 55% offering oncology services and 85% having a PICU. We registered 8,157 S. aureus culture isolations from 5,384 events (3,345 MSSA and 1,961 MRSA) in 4,821 patients, with a median age of 5 years. Blood (26.2%) and skin/soft tissue (18.6%) were the most common infection sources. Most isolates per event remained susceptible to oxacillin (63.2%), clindamycin (94.3%), and TMP-SMX (98.3%). MRSA prevalence varied by city (<0.001), with slightly higher rates observed in exclusively pediatric hospitals. In contrast, the MRSA rate was somewhat lower in centers with Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP). MRSA was predominantly isolated from osteoarticular infections and multiple foci, while MSSA was more frequently associated with recurrent infections compared to MRSA.ConclusionsThis is the largest study of pediatric S. aureus infections in Colombia. We found MSSA predominance, but resistance have important regional variations. S. aureus remains susceptible to other commonly used antibiotics such as TMP-SMX and clindamycin. Ongoing monitoring of S. aureus infections is vital for understanding their behavior in children. Prospective studies within the Staphylored LATAM are underway for a more comprehensive clinical and genetic characterization.