Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections in children in tropical northern Australia

Abstract

Background. Despite a high burden of staphylococcal skin disease in children and high incidence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in adult Indigenous populations in northern Australia, there are few studies describing incidence or clinical information of invasive S aureus (ISA) infections in children. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review for all cases of S aureus bacteremia and sterile site infections, for children under 15 years, in northern Australia over a 4-year period (2007-2010). Cases were categorized as neonatal (<28 days) and pediatric (≥28 days). Results. Forty-four cases (9 neonatal, 35 pediatric)were identified.The annual incidence of ISAwas 27.9 cases per 100 000 popul..