Which antibiotic is best for treating a Bartholin's gland abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection?

• A. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)
• B. Clindamycin (Cleocin)
• C. Cephalexin (Keflex)
• D. Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Answer: (B)

Clindamycin is the most effective choice for treating a Bartholin's gland abscess caused by a Staphylococcus aureus infection due to its strong activity against gram-positive bacteria, including many strains of Staphylococcus aureus. This antibiotic also penetrates well into tissues and has excellent efficacy against anaerobes, which can be important in polymicrobial infections typical of abscesses.

Amoxicillin-clavulanate is effective against a broad range of bacteria, including some strains of Staphylococcus aureus, but is primarily used when enteric bacteria are also a concern. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that is good for treating skin and soft tissue infections but may not be as effective for certain resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Metronidazole, while effective against anaerobes, does not cover Staphylococcus aureus and is not a first-line treatment for bacterial infections where this organism is the primary pathogen.

Clindamycin stands out in this scenario by providing targeted action against the likely causative organism associated with a Bartholin's gland abscess, making it the best therapeutic option.