Clinical Profile, Risk Factors, Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern, and Outcome of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Indian Children: A Prospective Observational Study in Pediatric Tertiary Care Center

access, suboptimal dosing, premature discontinuation, selfmedication, and a poorly resourced healthcare system.3 Given the limited therapeutic options against MRSA, timely identification and susceptibility profiling are crucial for effective IntroductIonStaphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive, aerobic bacterium commonly found in pairs and clusters.It is a ubiquitous organism present in dust, fomites, and as part of normal human flora.Its adaptability and broad range of virulence factors contribute to its survival as a commensal organism and its resistance to various antimicrobial agents.Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) poses a major healthcare challenge due to its resistance conferred by the mecA gene, which encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a, reducing β-lactam antibiotic efficacy.1 Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is primarily transmitted via cross-contamination in healthcare settings, where colonized patients contaminate surfaces, and healthcare workers serve as reservoirs.It is responsible for a wide spectrum of infections ranging from mild skin conditions such as impetigo, boils, and cellulitis to severe, life-threatening illnesses, including abscesses and scalded skin syndrome.Both hospital-acquired and community-associated MRSA infections are linked to high morbidity and mortality.2 In India, MRSA is endemic, and antibiotic susceptibility trends vary across regions.Contributing factors to its persistence include unregulated antibiotic availability, irrational use, over-the-counter 1-