Staphylococcal pneumonia as a complication of cellulitis

Abstract

Introduction: Cellulitis is less common local infection caused by staphylococci but may be accompanied by severe symptoms. Aim: The authors present a case of a 25-year-old woman with cellulitis in the lower jaw area, who had a complication in the form of purulent pneumonia with numerous abscesses and pleurisy. Case study: The patient, 25-year-old woman, was admitted to Clinic of Dermatology in Olsztyn due to painful swelling of her cheek, jaw and chin on the right side. The physical examination revealed crackles in the lung base and the chest X-ray image showed numerous circular shadows in the lung fields. In addition, there was fluid in the left pleural cavity. Intensive antibiotic therapy was used in the treatment for 14 days and improvement in the skin lesion was achieved. Cough and radiological changes also subsided. Results and discussion: Pneumonia usually develops as a result of the aspiration of the microorganism from the upper respiratory tract or through the bloodstream. Staphylococcal methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a particular problem. Poor hygiene conditions, close contact, contaminated material and damaged skin are some of the risk factors for the spread of MRSA infection in the population of non-hospitalized patients. In this patient, such a predisposing factor was alcohol and an attempt to remove a purulent lesion on her own in unsanitary conditions. Conclusions: It should be remembered that skin infections may lead to complications in the form of staphylococcal pneumonia.