BACTERIOLOGY OF INFLAMED AND UNINFLAMED EPIDERMAL INCLUSION CYSTS

Objective: To determine whether inflamed and uninflamed epidermoid cys ts differ in the number and/or type of bacteria inhabiting them. Desig n: A controlled study. We obtained aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cul ture specimens from 25 inflamed and 25 uninflamed epidermoid cysts. Se tting: A university medical center. Patients: Nonimmunocompromised adu lts without recent systemic use of antibiotics. Results: The 2 groups did not differ significantly with respect to number of bacterial isola tes, ''no growth'' cultures, and aerobic, anaerobic, or potential path ogens cultured. Conclusions: The microbiological milieu of inflamed ep idermoid cysts is similar to that of uninflamed cysts. Possible mechan isms for inflammation are discussed.