Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in nasal vestibular abscess

Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2011 Sep-Oct;1(5):379-81. doi: 10.1002/alr.20061. Epub 2011 May 9.

Abstract

Background: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a recognized entity that is increasingly responsible for skin and soft tissue infections. However, it is not the usual pathogen isolated in nasal vestibular abscess.

Methods: We present a series of 13 consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary care center with nasal vestibular abscess over a 2.5-year period.

Results: All abscesses were cultured and 100% (13/13) grew S. aureus. Of the S. aureus isolates, 92% (12/13) were MRSA. Antibiotic susceptibilities of the MRSA isolates were as follows: 100% were susceptible to rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline, 75% to clindamycin, 58% to fluoroquinolones, and 17% to erythromycin.

Conclusion: MRSA is an important pathogen in the community. It is therefore critical to appreciate its potential predominance in nasal vestibular abscess. Clinicians should obtain cultures, modify antibiotic therapy as warranted, and initiate empiric therapy to include MRSA coverage for nasal vestibular abscess.

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / drug therapy
  • Abscess / microbiology*
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Cavity / microbiology*
  • Nose Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nose Diseases / microbiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents