Primary Article

Value of Cultures in Patients With Acute Cellulitis

Authors: PETER W. L. HO MD, MPH, FRANCIS D. PIEN MD, MPH, DEBRA HAMBURG MD

Abstract

ABSTRACTA retrospective review of blood and wound cultures obtained from adult patients admitted for acute cellulitis revealed positive culture rates of 0.77% and 86% respectively. Organisms from wound cultures were predominantly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The majority of our patients were otherwise healthy. Our study suggests that blood cultures are not necessary in acute cellulitis in adults without serious underlying diseases.

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References