Role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in head and neck infections

J Laryngol Otol. 2009 Dec;123(12):1301-7. doi: 10.1017/S0022215109990624. Epub 2009 Aug 11.

Abstract

The prevalence of infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasing. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is also being recognised as an important pathogen in head and neck infections. This review summarises studies published over the past two decades which illustrate the growing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and the current therapeutic approaches to head and neck infections caused by this bacterium. These infections include sinusitis, otitis, periorbital cellulitis, cervical lymphadenitis, tonsillitis, thyroiditis, retropharyngeal abscess, and abscesses and wounds of the neck. Treatment of head and neck infections associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus includes drainage and debridement, as well as administration of local and systemic antimicrobials that provide coverage against these organisms and against potential aerobic and anaerobic pathogens that may be present if the infection is polymicrobial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Orbital Cellulitis / microbiology*
  • Orbital Cellulitis / therapy
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / microbiology*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / therapy
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / therapy
  • Thyroiditis, Suppurative / microbiology*
  • Thyroiditis, Suppurative / therapy