A REVIEW OF CELLULITIS AND DISCUSSION OF ORAL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS ANTIBIOTICS FOR TREATMENT

Authors

Kassandra A. Mueller, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Primary care

Advisor

Dr. Nancy Reid

Abstract

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that occurs when skin is disrupted. It is most often caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Treatment of cellulitis is with antibiotics that target these specific organisms. The type of antibiotics and the route are improperly prescribed in many instances. There is a wide variation in prescribing patterns of providers. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis particularly comparing oral versus parenteral antibiotics to improve anti-microbial stewardship. Several studies have been performed comparing treatment of mild to moderate cellulitis with oral and parenteral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics have conclusively been found to be non-inferior to parenteral antibiotics for treatment of uncomplicated cellulitis.

Recommended Citation

Mueller KA. A REVIEW OF CELLULITIS AND DISCUSSION OF ORAL VERSUS INTRAVENOUS ANTIBIOTICS FOR TREATMENT. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2020; 2(1).