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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
The microbial flora of clinically infected cutaneous metastases: a retrospective study
C A Virgen1, C A Barker2, M E Lacouture3
1Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA.
Abstract:
Symptomatic cutaneous metastases are associated with discharge, malodour, pruritus and pain, all of which may negatively impact quality of life and cutaneous health. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients referred to the Dermatology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between August 2006 and June 2015, and characterized the microbial flora and antimicrobial management of cutaneous metastases in 64 patients. We detected pathogenic and/or opportunistic bacteria in 50% of skin lesions. The most commonly isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Patients treated with oral antibiotics, alone or in combination with topical agents, had a statistically significant better improvement in infectious symptoms than those treated without oral antibiotics. Our findings suggest that the normal skin microbial flora is disrupted in patients with symptomatic skin metastases. Oral antibiotics may provide benefit when used as first-line therapy for infected skin lesions in patients with symptomatic cutaneous metastases.
Insights
Symptomatic skin metastases often harbor bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being common. Oral antibiotics significantly improved infectious symptoms in patients with cutaneous metastases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Symptomatic cutaneous metastases can cause discharge, odor, itching, and pain, negatively impacting patient quality of life.
- The microbial flora of skin lesions in patients with cutaneous metastases is not well-characterized.
- Understanding microbial composition and antimicrobial treatment efficacy is crucial for managing these symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microbial flora of cutaneous metastases.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial management for symptomatic skin lesions.
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies for infected cutaneous metastases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 64 patients with cutaneous metastases referred to a Dermatology Service.
- Microbial flora analysis of skin lesions.
- Assessment of antimicrobial treatments, including oral and topical antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Pathogenic and/or opportunistic bacteria were detected in 50% of skin lesions.
- Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently isolated organisms.
- Patients receiving oral antibiotics showed statistically significant improvement in infectious symptoms compared to those not treated with oral antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- The normal skin microbial flora is disrupted in patients with symptomatic cutaneous metastases.
- Oral antibiotics may be beneficial as a first-line therapy for infected skin lesions in this patient population.
- Targeted antimicrobial therapy can improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with cutaneous metastases.
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