Treatment of MRSA infections in an African-American male with G6PD deficiency.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affecting erythrocytes is the most common enzymopathy in humans. It requires caution with the intake of oxidizing substances (e.g., medications and foods) because of the threat of hemolysis. Less recognized is the threat of a deficiency in G6PD that alters neutrophil function, which can compromise the killing of microbes by the oxidative burst mechanism. This results from a secondary alteration in the NADPH oxidase pathway. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, which is usually observed after exposure in the hospital setting, is becoming increasingly common in a community setting. Here we show the risk of MRSA and G6PD deficiency and discuss the pitfalls of G6PD deficiency.