What bacteria cause a hordeolum (stye)?

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Last updated: February 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Bacteria Causing Hordeolum (Stye)

  • A hordeolum, commonly known as a stye, is typically caused by bacterial infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common culprit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive coccus that can cause a wide range of clinical infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, and is known to colonize the nasal vestibule and skin of healthy individuals 2, 4.
  • The bacteria can adapt to the skin environment and overcome its defenses, leading to infection, and can also develop resistance to antimicrobial agents, making treatment challenging 2, 4.
  • In the context of a hordeolum, the infection is usually localized to the eyelid, and Staphylococcus aureus is often the primary pathogen involved 1, 3.
  • Other bacteria may also be involved in causing hordeolum, but Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly implicated species 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

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