For an abscess with suspected MRSA, which antibiotic is an option for coverage?

For an abscess with suspected MRSA, which antibiotic is an option for coverage?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Clindamycin
• C. Ciprofloxacin
• D. Penicillin

Answer: (B)

When managing an abscess where MRSA is suspected, you need an antibiotic with activity against MRSA. Clindamycin fits well here because it reliably covers community-associated MRSA and it penetrates skin and soft tissue, making it suitable for outpatient treatment after drainage. In contrast, amoxicillin and penicillin are beta-lactams that MRSA commonly resists, so they’re not reliable choices for MRSA coverage. Ciprofloxacin also isn’t a dependable option for MRSA in many settings due to resistance. Keep in mind that some MRSA strains show inducible resistance to clindamycin, which can be detected with a D-test; if positive, clindamycin should be avoided and alternative agents selected (such as TMP-SMX, doxycycline, or, for more severe cases, linezolid or IV vancomycin).

When managing an abscess where MRSA is suspected, you need an antibiotic with activity against MRSA. Clindamycin fits well here because it reliably covers community-associated MRSA and it penetrates skin and soft tissue, making it suitable for outpatient treatment after drainage. In contrast, amoxicillin and penicillin are beta-lactams that MRSA commonly resists, so they’re not reliable choices for MRSA coverage. Ciprofloxacin also isn’t a dependable option for MRSA in many settings due to resistance.

Keep in mind that some MRSA strains show inducible resistance to clindamycin, which can be detected with a D-test; if positive, clindamycin should be avoided and alternative agents selected (such as TMP-SMX, doxycycline, or, for more severe cases, linezolid or IV vancomycin).