Cellulitis

Question 1

What is the primary causal organism of cellulitis?

Answer 1

Staph aureus exceeds Strep pyogenes (Group A Strep) as the causal organism.

Question 2

What type of antibiotics should be given for cellulitis caused by Staph aureus?

Answer 2

Beta-lactamase-resistant beta-lactam in the methicillin class (i.e., dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin) or first-generation cephalosporin (i.e., cephalexin, cephazolin) or Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate).

Question 3

Is amoxicillin effective alone for treating cellulitis caused by Staph aureus?

Answer 3

No, amoxicillin alone is not effective.

Question 4

Why are amoxicillin and penicillin alone considered wrong answers for treating cellulitis?

Answer 4

90% of community Staph (i.e., MSSA) produces beta-lactamase, making amoxicillin and penicillin ineffective.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: For cellulitis, beta-lactamase-resistant beta-lactam in the methicillin class includes _______.

Answer 5

dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin

Question 6

Fill in the blank: First-generation cephalosporins for cellulitis include _______.

Answer 6

cephalexin, cephazolin

Question 7

True or False: Augmentin is a suitable treatment option for cellulitis.

Answer 7

True