MRSA in Healthy Children

Abstract

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus has had an increase of infection rate worldwide. The bacteria is easily spread from person to person via mucous membranes. A study was conducted to see how many healthy children were infected with MRSA. This infection can go unnoticed and not cause major problems unless it grows in a patient. Children 2 months to 5 years were studied. These children were asked during with well child appointments to be nasally swabbed for MRSA. The study showed that the children around 2-5 months and 4-5 years were at the highest rate for MRSA. This is thought to be due to hygiene conditions. Parents who are infected can spread the infection to their infants. While siblings or children in child care can infect each other through coughing or sneezing.