Abstract
Abstract
Background
Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a recognized entity that is increasingly responsible for skin and soft tissue infections. However, it is not the usual pathogen isolated in nasal vestibular abscess.
Methods
We present a series of 13 consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary care center with nasal vestibular abscess over a 2.5‐year period.
Results
All abscesses were cultured and 100% (13/13) grew S. aureus. Of the S. aureus isolates, 92% (12/13) were MRSA. Antibiotic susceptibilities of the MRSA isolates were as follows: 100% were susceptible to rifampin, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline, 75% to clindamycin, 58% to fluoroquinolones, and 17% to erythromycin.
Conclusion
MRSA is an important pathogen in the community. It is therefore critical to appreciate its potential predominance in nasal vestibular abscess. Clinicians should obtain cultures, modify antibiotic therapy as warranted, and initiate empiric therapy to include MRSA coverage for nasal vestibular abscess. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.