Publication Date
3-1-2009
Journal
American Journal of Emerging Medicine
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to document the resistance patterns found in exudates from cutaneous abscesses of HIV-infected persons.
BASIC PROCEDURES: Patient records were reviewed on 93 culture and sensitivity tests performed on exudates taken from incised and drained abscesses of HIV-infected persons.
MAIN FINDINGS: Of the specimens, 84.6% were Staphylococcus aureus. Of these, 93.5% were penicillin resistant, 87% oxacillin resistant, 84.4% cephazolin resistant, 84.4% erythromycin resistant, 52.2% ciprofloxacin resistant, and 15.6% tetracycline resistant. Fifty-eight specimens were tested for clindamycin with 29.3% found resistant; 85.7% were methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) (defined as resistant to both penicillin G and oxacillin). All specimens were resistant to multiple antibiotics including antimicrobials that might be considered for use in MRSA. No specimens were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, or vancomycin.
CONCLUSIONS: Empiric antimicrobial therapy of HIV-infected persons with cutaneous abscesses must be tailored to the high frequency of antimicrobial drug resistance including MRSA in this population.
Keywords
Abscess, Adult, Aged, Drug Resistance, Microbial, Exudates and Transudates, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Staphylococcal Skin Infections, Staphylococcus aureus, Texas