Which antibiotic is appropriate for erysipelas or cellulitis to cover both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus?

Which antibiotic is appropriate for erysipelas or cellulitis to cover both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus?

• A. Dicloxacillin
• B. Penicillin
• C. Erythromycin
• D. Amoxicillin-clavulanate

Answer: (A)

For erysipelas or cellulitis you want an antibiotic that can tackle both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, since both can cause these infections. Dicloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin, so it stays active against Staphylococcus aureus that produce beta-lactamase and also against beta-hemolytic streptococci. This makes it a reliable, targeted option for uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections driven by these organisms. Plain penicillin wouldn’t cover Staph due to beta-lactamase, so it isn’t ideal here. Erythromycin can cover both groups but has become less reliable because of resistance patterns. Amoxicillin-clavulanate broadens coverage to include beta-lactamase producers and some additional organisms, but for straightforward MSSA/Streptococcus cellulitis, a narrower agent with proven activity against both groups is preferred. (Note: dicloxacillin does not cover MRSA.)

For erysipelas or cellulitis you want an antibiotic that can tackle both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, since both can cause these infections. Dicloxacillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin, so it stays active against Staphylococcus aureus that produce beta-lactamase and also against beta-hemolytic streptococci. This makes it a reliable, targeted option for uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections driven by these organisms.

Plain penicillin wouldn’t cover Staph due to beta-lactamase, so it isn’t ideal here. Erythromycin can cover both groups but has become less reliable because of resistance patterns. Amoxicillin-clavulanate broadens coverage to include beta-lactamase producers and some additional organisms, but for straightforward MSSA/Streptococcus cellulitis, a narrower agent with proven activity against both groups is preferred. (Note: dicloxacillin does not cover MRSA.)