A Dreaded Complication of MRSA Infection

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection is a growing public health problem; it is now the most common pathogen causing skin and soft-tissue infection in many cities in the United States. Furthermore, among injection drug users, MRSA infection is a growing problem) and in one study only 13% of isolates of community-acquired MRSA isolates are susceptible to clindamycin. The vertebral complications of S. aureus infection include vertebral osteomyelitis, spondylodisciitis, and epidural abscess. At increased risk are patients with infective endocarditis, injection drug users, patients on hemodialysis or insulin, and patients undergoing invasive procedures. Invasive procedures include intravenous catheters, direct spinal injections, or surgical interventions. Psoas abscess with extension into the epidural space and vertebral bodies is a rare, but known complication of MRSA bacteremia.