Reduced Ceftaroline Susceptibility among Invasive MRSA Infections in Children: a Clinical and Genomic Investigation

Ceftaroline represents an attractive therapy option for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Little data is available, however, regarding the frequency of reduced susceptibility (RS) to ceftaroline among pediatric MRSA infections. We screened invasive MRSA isolates at a tertiary children's hospital for ceftaroline RS. Ceftaroline RS occurred in 2.9% of isolates and only among health care associated infections. Ceftaroline RS isolates were more often clindamycin-resistant. Sequencing data indicated the predominance of the CC5 lineage among ceftaroline RS isolates.

Automated summary

Ceftaroline is a promising therapy option for MRSA infections in pediatric patients. However, there is limited data on the frequency of ceftaroline resistance in this population. A study conducted at a tertiary children's hospital found that 2.9% of invasive MRSA isolates were resistant to ceftaroline, and this resistance was only observed in healthcare-associated infections. The resistant isolates were more often resistant to clindamycin, and sequencing data revealed the predominance of the CC5 lineage among the ceftaroline-resistant isolates.