RT Journal
A1 Duvanel T, Auckenthaler R, Rohner P, Harms M, Saurat JH
T1 QUantitative cultures of biopsy specimens from cutaneous cellulitis
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1989
FD February 1
VO 149
IS 2
SP 293
OP 296
DO 10.1001/archinte.1989.00390020039008
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1989.00390020039008
AB • To study the microbiologic features of cutaneous cellulitis prospectively, quantitative biopsy cultures were carried out in 25 patients who were hospitalized for an untreated cutaneous cellulitis. Biopsy specimens were obtained from both the center and the advancing edge of erythema. Only nine biopsy specimens (three central and six peripheral) (18%) of 50 yielded pathogens. Needle aspiration cultures were performed in seven cases: two yielded pathogens (28.5%). The density of microorganisms was low, ranging from less than 80 colonyforming units (CFUs) per gram of tissue to 1360 CFUs/g of tissue, except next to the edge of an ulcer (two cases), where densities reached 3.2× 106 CFUs/g of tissue. Cutaneous cellulitis shows a discrepancy between the low density of microorganisms and the intensity of the inflammation. A factor other than infection must be implicated. This might be lymphatic failure, which is found in 72% of patients.(Arch Intern Med 1989;149:293-296)