The Increasing Prevalence of Clindamycin Resistance inStaphylococcus aureusIsolates in Children with Head and Neck Abscesses

Abstract

To retrospectively review trends in clindamycin resistance among Staphylococcus aureus head and neck abscesses between January 2000 and June 2008. Between January 2000 and June 2008, inpatient and out-patient S aureus isolates were reviewed for antibiotic susceptibility. In particular, cultures from 153 abscesses in the head and neck region were assessed for clindamycin and methicillin resistance patterns. Annual clindamycin resistance rates for all S aureus isolates, and specifically for S aureus head and neck abscesses, revealed concerning levels of clindamycin and methicillin resistance. After 2002, the mean clindamycin resistance rate in head and neck abscesses was approximately 27%. The number of new cases of methicillin-resistant S aureus per year increased from four cases in 2000 to 44 cases in 2007. Antibiotic resistance should be considered following failed empirical therapy of head and neck abscesses with clindamycin.