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	The local jail is frequently sending us swabs from boils that are positive for MRSA. They say that the patients are treated topically. How important is it to report MICs on these wounds? A majority of the time, they are already treated by the time we call them with the "critical result" of MRSA.
	Topical infections that are located in a fairly small area need only debridement and/or expulsion of pus. The prisons have opted to treat locally rather then orally. We do not know at this point what the antimicrobial agent(s) is or are in the ointment being used. MIC information in this setting is not necessary and qualitative susceptibility reports are more than enough for the prisons. It may be that even the latter are unnecessary in as much as ointments contain very high concentrations of the agents and may not correlate to outcomes. It is best is to communicate with the clinicians following the patients and see what their approach is...you may be able to drop susceptibility testing altogether except to let them know it is an MRSA. DISCLAIMER Askit is for general information purposes only and may not be relied upon by users for decisions or action in specific circumstances. Neither ASM nor the expert assures the accuracy or completeness of information provided. Questions are answered based on current information, which may change over time. Please note the date that a question was answered. If an answer is more than one year old, you may want to resubmit the question for an updated answer. The advice and comments do not necessarily reflect the views of ASM. ASM and INDIVIDUAL experts expressly disclaim any and all liability for any direct, indirect, or special damages or loss of any nature incurred as a consequence of use of this site or any advice or comment by any expert. By using Askit, the user accepts the waiver of claims and all terms of use of ASM�s site, including the disclaimers set forth in the �Legal Rights� link on ASM�s home page.

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