Furunculose, causa e tratamento no hospedeiro: uma revisão de literatura

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.7671425180315

• Palavras-chave: Staphylococcus aureus; furúnculo; furunculose; hospedeiro.

• Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; furuncles; furunculosis; host.

• Abstract: Introduction: Furuncles and furunculosis are common skin infections, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). When the environment is favorable, the bacteria can invade hair follicles, causing intense inflammation that spreads to surrounding structures. This bacterium is found on the skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals and can act as an opportunistic pathogen for both humans and animals. Objective: Review the literature on the causes of boil development, prevention strategies and treatment options. Methodology: This literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS strategy, focusing on patients with furunculosis and its relationship with S. aureus. The search was performed in PubMed, Scielo, and BVS databases, using specific descriptors related to the topic. The selection of articles followed a process of title analysis, abstract review, and full-text reading, with inclusion criteria being articles published in the last 20 years, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, that addressed clinical studies on furunculosis and its development in the host. Results: A total of 179 articles were found, of which only 4 met the eligibility criteria. One of the articles identified temporary immune alterations in travelers as a possible cause of furunculosis, with additional factors such as poor hygiene, sleeping near water sources, and insect bites being interconnected. Another article demonstrated a significant increase in the number and percentage of NK cells due to furunculosis, while the other two articles focused on environmental decolonization of the pathogen as a treatment. Conclusion: Exacerbations of recurrent furunculosis are associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and recent antibiotic use, as well as immunological mechanisms. Future research should aim to identify persistent reservoirs and investigate decontamination methods and genetic sequencing of S. aureus to better understand the recurrent phenomenon.