Utility of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal PCR Testing in Pediatric Patients With Suspected Respiratory Infections

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2024 Apr 24;13(4):242-245. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piae023.

Abstract

Observational studies in adults suggest nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) swabs have a high negative predictive value (NPV) for ruling out MRSA pneumonia, however, pediatric data are limited. This retrospective study of 505 pediatric patients found a 99.8% NPV among children with suspected respiratory infections.

Keywords: MRSA; antimicrobial stewardship; children; de-escalation; nasal swab.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* / genetics
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* / isolation & purification
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction* / methods
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / microbiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / microbiology