Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI)

Microbial invasion of the layers of the skin and underlying soft tissues.

The FDA defines acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI) as a bacterial infection of the skin with a lesion size area of at least 75 cm² (cellulitis, erysipelas, wound infection, major cutaneous abscess).

The EMA classification of bacterial skin and soft tissue infection (BSSTI) includes cellulitis, erysipelas, wound infections (traumatic or post-surgical) and major abscesses.

Complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI) are the most severe and involve deeper soft tissue. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of cSSTIs, with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) being a particular challenge.

Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in adults: A review of their epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and site of care (Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, 2008)

Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA, 2014)

Indications and endpoints for complicated skin and soft tissue infections (EMA, 2021)

Guidance for industry acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections: Developing drugs for treatment (FDA, 2013)