Staphylococcus aureus Commonly Observed in Children With AD

Staphylococcus aureus and group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) co-infection are the most common infections found in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) according to a study published in the Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Researchers aimed to determine the type and antibacterial sensitivities of the bacteria that cause infections among children with AD in South Africa in a prospective study conducted from June 2020 to June 2021. Children presenting with a cutaneous infection and clinically suspected eczema were reported. Swabs were collected and sent for plating, culture, and bacterial sensitivity testing.

The study included a total of 96 participants with a mean age of 4.30 ± 3.4 years. The most common bacterial infection was S aureus, seen in 77.1% of cases. The next most common infection was GAS co-infection, found in 22.9% of cases. Most infections were found on the lower limbs. S aureus was sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in 77% of cases and clindamycin in 32.4% of cases. A total of 45.5% of cases were sensitive to ampicillin. No resistant strains were cultured.

“Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest bacterial cause of cutaneous infection in children with AD in our setting,” concluded the study authors. “Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cloxacillin remain the most sensitive therapeutic options for this infection; however, a larger study is required to explore resistance strains, if any, in our setting,” they added.

Reference
Zwane NO, Masuka JT, Chateau AV, Mosam A. Microbiologic characterisation of bacterial infections in children with atopic dermatitis. S Afr J Infect Dis. Published Online March 31, 2022. doi:10.4102/sajid.v37i1.368