Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus as the Most Common Cause of Perineal Abscesses

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in female reproductive health. Vulvar abscesses are also an increasingly common condition seen in the gynecologic field. This investigation demonstrates that MRSA is the most common cause of vulvar abscesses at a large urban women's hospital. No demographic factors were demonstrated to be sufficiently predictive of the presence of MRSA. Given these findings, empiric treatment with antimicrobials providing MRSA coverage seems warranted in cases where antimicrobial therapy is indicated.