Association of Athlete's Foot with Cellulitis of the Lower Extremities: Diagnostic Value of Bacterial Cultures of Ipsilateral Interdigital Space Samples

Abstract

We performed a study to determine how often patients with cellulitis of the lower extremities in the absence of trauma, peripheral vascular disease, or chronic open ulcers have ipsilateral interdigital athlete's foot and whether cultures of samples from the involved interdigital spaces would yield potentially pathogenic bacteria. Athlete's foot was present in 20 (83%) of 24 episodes of cellulitis that were studied. Cultures of samples from interdigital spaces yielded Beta-hemolytic streptococci in 17 (85%) of 20 cases, Staphylococcus aureus in 9 (45%) of 20 cases, and gram-negative rods in 7 (35%) of 20 cases. Only Beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered significantly more often from patients than from a group of controls with athlete's foot who did not have cellulitis (P < .01). Athlete's foot may be a common predisposing condition for cellulitis of the lower extremities. In comparison with attempts at microbiological diagnosis such as aspiration and/or biopsy of the area of cellulitis, cultures of samples from the interdigital spaces combined with serial determinations of antistreptolysin titers may offer a simpler noninvasive method of microbiological diagnosis.

Oral treatments for fungal infections of the skin of the foot.

“…The growth of Gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus was similar in the two patient populations. 1 The bacteria may cause cellulitis by entering the skin at these sites or by spreading to contiguous cutaneous surfaces and invading through a disrupted epidermis or through areas of impaired local defenses. This correlation aims to emphasize the importance of seeking and treating tinea pedis, so as to prevent recurrent episodes of cellulitis, which are common in patients who have had a previous attack.…”

Prospective study on sociodynamics of cellulitis in general surgical unit

“…3,4 Sites of entry are commonly created by traumatic injury, leg ulcers, and possibly, dermatophytic toe web intertrigo. [3][4][5] Two recent case-control studies addressing risk factors for cellulitis demonstrated a significantly higher rate of toe web intertrigo in the patient group. 3,4 Although dermatophytes do not cause cellulitis, they lead to scaling and fissure formation and, by disruption of the skin, provide a niche for bacteria that could enter the body.…”

Limb cellulitis in rural setting in India: a case control study

“…1,2 Various risk factors for cellulitis include traumatic injury, leg ulcers, intertrigo, overweight, lymphedema, diabetes mellitus, vasculitis, previous surgery, radiotherapy and immunocompromised states. 2,3 Causative organisms for cellulitis include Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus followed by β hemolytic streptococci and gram negative bacilli. 4,5 Exact incidence of cellulitis in India is unknown but in USA, it is a common infection affecting 2-3 persons/100 persons/year.…”