Clinical Features and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Dermatoses

Background/Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses significant treatment challenges, particularly in community settings. Limited data are available on S. aureus-associated infected dermatoses (ID) in outpatient dermatology clinics. This study examines the clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles, resistance patterns, and treatment outcomes of dermatoses caused by S. aureus. Methods: Between January 2023 and January 2025, consecutive patients with confirmed S. aureus-associated SD were recruited in a dermatology clinic in Heraklion, Greece. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected. Skin swabs underwent bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing following CLSI guidelines. Statistical analyses evaluated associations between clinical and microbiological findings. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included, 54.4% of whom were male, with a mean age of 46.7 years (± SD 25.1). MRSA was identified in 22.1% of cases and was significantly associated with female gender (p = 0.014). The most common diagnoses were eczema (35.3%) and folliculitis (19.1%). Oxacillin-resistant patients were more likely to receive systemic therapy (p = 0.039). Resistance rates were highest for benzylpenicillin (81.8%), levofloxacin (54.9%), and erythromycin (39.4%). Resistance rates for fusidic acid, clindamycin, mupirocin, and tetracycline were 38.2%, 20.6%, 16.9%, and 10.3%, respectively. Other pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, were isolated in 27.9% of cases. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of MRSA in outpatient dermatology settings, emphasizing the need for local antimicrobial resistance surveillance to guide treatment strategies and improve outcomes in superinfected dermatoses.