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Microbiologic evaluation of cutaneous cellulitis in adults.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Cultures from primary infection sites are most effective for identifying microbial pathogens in cellulitis cases. Diagnostic information from aspirates or biopsies is often redundant if the primary lesion can be cultured.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection.
- Accurate microbial identification is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic yield of different culture methods in cellulitis.
- To determine if aspirate, biopsy, or blood cultures provide additional information beyond primary lesion cultures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 50 cellulitis patients.
- Cultures obtained from advancing edge aspirates, skin biopsy specimens, and blood.
- Identification and culturing of apparent primary infection sites.
Main Results:
- Microbial pathogens were isolated in 13 patients.
- Biopsy cultures were positive in 10 patients, aspirates in 5, and blood in 2.
- Cultures from primary lesions identified beta-hemolytic streptococci and coagulase-positive staphylococci.
- Pathogens isolated from aspirates, biopsies, or blood were also found in primary lesions in all cases.
- Clinical features did not predict positive culture results.
Conclusions:
- Cultures of primary lesions are sufficient for pathogen identification in cellulitis.
- Aspirate, biopsy, and blood cultures offer limited additional microbiologic information.
- Focusing on primary lesion cultures can streamline diagnosis and treatment.