Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in nasal vestibular abscess
Marisa A Earley1, Mark E Friedel, Satish Govindaraj
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) frequently causes skin infections. This study found MRSA is the predominant pathogen in nasal vestibular abscesses, necessitating targeted antibiotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of skin and soft tissue infections.
- MRSA is not typically identified as the primary pathogen in nasal vestibular abscesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens, particularly MRSA, in nasal vestibular abscesses.
- To inform clinical practice regarding the management of nasal vestibular abscesses.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series of 13 patients with nasal vestibular abscesses treated at a tertiary care center over 2.5 years.
- Cultures were obtained from all abscesses for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 100% of cases (13/13).
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 92% (12/13) of the S. aureus isolates.
- MRSA isolates demonstrated high susceptibility to rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline, but lower susceptibility to clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and erythromycin.
Conclusions:
- MRSA is a predominant pathogen in nasal vestibular abscesses, contrary to previous assumptions.
- Clinicians should consider MRSA in the empiric treatment of nasal vestibular abscesses.
- Cultures and targeted antibiotic therapy, including MRSA coverage, are crucial for effective management.
Related Concept Videos
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
