Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in 2 pediatric outpatients

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are an emergi ng problem in children. The following are 2 case reports of unsuspected MRS A infections: the first is an infant with cervical adenitis and the second is a child with a deep infection of the toe. Both patients failed outpatien t therapy with oral cephalosporins and required hospitalization for surgica l drainage. Both patients had cultures positive for MRSA at surgery. Neithe r patient had any risk factors for acquiring MRSA. Thus, outpatients with p resumed staphylococcal infections who fail oral therapy with cephalosporins map be infected with MRSA.