Airborne transmission from a neonate with Netherton syndrome during an outbreak of MRSA

Abstract

We encountered a 4 month outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization or infection that was difficult to control despite implementation of standard prevention methods. A neonate with Netherton syndrome had accelerated scaling of the skin and continued positive results for MRSA from clinical samples. The results of air sampling suggested the possibility of airborne transmission. The MRSA outbreak stopped after the patient was transferred to an isolation room, suggesting that airborne MRSA can play a role in MRSA colonization. Isolation rooms should be considered in specific circumstances, as described in the present study.

Keywords: Netherton syndrome; airborne outbreak; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; neonatal intensive care unit.