Blood cultures in the evaluation of uncomplicated cellulitis

In our study population with uncomplicated cellulitis, representative of unselected population admitted at primary-care hospitals, bacteremia was uncommon and not associated with discriminant patient characteristics, except for alcohol abuse. Episodes of bacteremia were exclusively due to gram-positive cocci susceptible to co-amoxicilin, a common first-line empirical therapy. In accordance with existing guidelines, we do not recommend to collect blood for cultures in uncomplicated cellulitis. Clinicians' awareness of guidelines and of the poor yield of blood cultures could reduce useless investigation.