Spectrum of bacterial isolates in HIV-positive patients with skin and soft tissue infections: emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococci.

We assessed the spectrum of bacteria in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) between HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients, and compared the emergence of resistance at a university dermatology department during 1995-2000. Of 10,456 isolates, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most significantly increased over the years. The knowledge of the evolving spectrum of bacteria anf their resistance pattern is imperative to treat SSTI adequately.