Gram-Negative Folliculitis Workup

  • Author: Mordechai M Tarlow, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 12, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

  • The diagnosis of gram-negative folliculitis can often be made based on the history and the physical examination findings alone. However, confirmation with Gram stain and culture is recommended.
  • In confirming the diagnosis with Gram stain and culture, use special care in culturing. Gram-negative organisms are sensitive to desiccation; samples must be taken quickly and cultured as soon as possible. The pustule that is sampled should also be fresh. A small pustule on an erythematous base is preferable for culturing purposes.
  • Culture pustules in any patient with acne who is in their late teens or older and has been on antibiotics and develops a pustular form of the disease.
  • Gram-negative organisms cannot be recovered from every pustule.
  • Selective medium-containing dyes, such as methylene blue, allow selective growth of gram-negative organisms while inhibiting growth of gram-positive organisms.
  • The organisms that produce colonies on eosin-methylene blue agar are classified as either lactose-fermenting gram-negative rods or Proteus species by their cultural characteristics and their ability to ferment lactose.
    • Lactose-fermenting, gram-negative rods produce small, dark, discreet, metallic colonies.
    • Proteus species produce rapidly spreading, translucent, and odorous colonies.
  • In patients with facial folliculitis that presents a diagnostic challenge, a potassium hydroxide mount (10-20% potassium hydroxide is used to stain a sample on a slide and look for possible fungal elements) and a skin biopsy specimen may be of value.
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Histologic Findings

In contrast to typical acne lesions, lesions of gram-negative folliculitis do not contain a comedonal core. A minimal amount of keratinous material is present in an intrafollicular sea of pus. Occasionally, segments of the follicular wall may be dissolved. Organisms are located in nests around clumps of keratinous material, around hairs, and in phagocytes. In contrast to the predominant gram-negative rod recovered on culture, Gram stain of the tissue section may show a mixed flora (ie, gram-positive rods and cocci, gram-negative rods, budding yeasts).

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Mordechai M Tarlow, MD  Clinical Associate, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Mordechai M Tarlow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for MOHS Surgery, American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Sofia Piela, MD  Head, Department of Dermatology, Rzeszow Regional Health Center, Poland

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael Wiederkehr, MD  Consulting Staff, Livingston Dermatology Associates; Consulting Staff, Comprehensive Dermatology and Laser Center

Michael Wiederkehr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Terry L Barrett, MD  Clinical Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine; Director, ProPath Dermatopathology, Dallas, Texas

Terry L Barrett, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, American Society of Dermatopathology, College of American Pathologists, and United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Rosalie Elenitsas, MD  Herman Beerman Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Director, Penn Cutaneous Pathology Services, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Rosalie Elenitsas, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatopathology

Disclosure: Lippincott Williams Wilkins Royalty Textbook editor; DLA Piper Consulting fee Consulting

Glen H Crawford, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital

Glen H Crawford, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society of USAF Flight Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD  Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Elsevier Royalty Other

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