MRSA vaginitis: a clinical case of diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i6.14151Keywords:
MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, Vaginitis, Vulvovaginitis, Case reportAbstract
Introduction: Vaginitis, a vaginal infection commonly caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, poses increasing challenges due to colonization by multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Case description: An 18-year-old woman, with no relevant medical history, presenting with genital burning and pain associated with itching, erythema, and vulvar wound sensation, was seen in the emergency department and treated for candidiasis. Due to continued complaints, she seeks out her family doctor for re-evaluation and, after gynaecological observation, she is medicated with boric acid vaginal tablets for complicated vaginal candidiasis. For financial reasons, the patient did not undergo therapy, and at the re-evaluation appointment, her initial complaints persisted. Vaginal exudate was then analysed and revealed an MRSA infection, which resolved with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Commentary: This clinical case highlights the complexity of diagnosing MRSA vaginitis, a rare infection that can be mistaken for more common causes of vulvovaginitis, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. It underscores the importance of considering less frequent diagnostic hypotheses in cases of therapeutic refractoriness, reinforcing the crucial role of microbiological examinations in identifying the causal agent and guiding therapy. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for a rigorous medical approach, including patient education on warning signs and the importance of follow-up appointments. The report demonstrates the impact of continuity of care in general and family medicine. It highlights the scarcity of literature on this pathology, stressing the value of publishing clinical cases to advance medical knowledge.
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