Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in postpartum period

Abstract

The overall risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in obstetric populations is unknown. MRSA infection incidence has increased in pregnant women and neonates even if prevention techniques of MRSA have improved. MRSA infections affect both mothers and their infants. MRSA is the most common pathogen responsible for postpartum mastitis. There are also other postpartum infections with MRSA such as cellulitis, pelvic thrombophlebitis, pneumonia, septicemia, cesarean wound infections, episiotomy infections and urinary tract infections. The objectives of this review were to identify the most frequent risk factors for postpartum MRSA infection and to determine the frequency of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections after delivery. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and we used the following key words “MRSA infection in postpartum”, “risk factors for postpartum MRSA infection”. We are included in our review 27 articles from the last 20 years which presented rare cases of MRSA infection in postpartum and those which identified the risk factors of this infection after delivery. Infections with MRSA appear to be more frequent among pregnant women colonized with MRSA. Early identification of MRSA, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infection is mandatory for a good prognosis. By now, vigilance and effective MRSA prevention strategies are considered essential to limit the spread and infection.