Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Australian children

Abstract

Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of serious illness in children. Antibiotic resistance is an international problem and affects initial antibiotic choice. We aimed to describe susceptibility patterns of S. aureus isolates from Australian children to inform optimal empiric treatment of staphylococcal infections in this population. Methods: We analysed susceptibility data for all S. aureus isolates from children at Australian tertiary paediatric hospitals in 2006. Susceptibility rates were compared between hospitals and states, and with published studies of S. aureus isolates from Australian adults. Results: Overall, the proportion of methicillin- resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in A..