Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections in young people in custody in New South Wales.

Aim Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are problematic for incarcerated adolescents but have not been previously researched. Methods This was a 2-year prospective study of all New South Wales Juvenile Custodial Centres involving incarcerated youth aged 12-20 years. The main outcomes measured were MRSA SSTIs, MRSA molecular subtypes and associations with MRSA infection. Variables included age, gender, SSTI site and type, Indigenous status, incarceration time, lifetime incarcerations, intravenous drug use, overweight/obesity, recent antibiotic use and health centre presentations. Results From February 2013 to January 2015, there were 77 SSTIs (92.2% male, 59.2% Indigenous, mean age 16.9 years). The majority (77.9%) were collections, mostly on the lower limb (44.2%), and 33 (42.9%) isolates were MRSA; 94% were Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive. This represents 11 SSTIs per 1000 custodial admissions, and 4.7 MRSA SSTIs per 1000 custodial admissions. Independent associations with MRSA SSTI (vs. non-MRSA SSTI) were Indigenous status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.92, P < 0.001), presenting with a collection (AOR 18.29, P < 0.001) and recent antibiotic use (AOR 3.62, P < 0.05). Conclusions Incarcerated Australian youth have high rates of MRSA SSTIs, comparable to rates in US adult inmates, but with different molecular subtypes. At particular risk of MRSA infection are Indigenous youth, those with recent antibiotic use and those presenting with a collection. Many MRSA infections present at custodial admission, making surveillance and containment important, along with avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics and hand hygiene. Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive MRSA predominates and is known for causing flu-associated necrotising pneumonia. Albeit a rare outcome, the seasonal influenza vaccination should be mandatory for youth in custody and custodial staff.