Recurrent Furunculosis — CA-MRSA Plays a Major Role

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the causative pathogen in outbreaks of recalcitrant disease.

When a hair follicle becomes infected, a furuncle may result. Optimal treatment consists of incising the furuncle and expressing the infecting bacteria, pus, and blood. Incised and drained, uncomplicated small abscesses usually heal, with or without help from antibiotics. Some furuncles recur in the same site or appear repeatedly in different remote sites, and some occur in close contacts.

Increasing incidence of recurrent furunculosis may be due to the increasing prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). More than 75% of cultures of furuncular pus isolate MRSA, and almost all isolates are consistent with CA-MRSA. CA-MRSA produces various virulence factors, but furunculosis is specifically associ…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)