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carbuncle
(kahr´bәng-kәl)
a necrotizing infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue composed of a cluster of boils, usually resulting from infection by Staphylococcus aureus; there are generally multiple drainage sinuses. Like boils, carbuncles are caused by pus-forming bacteria. The infecting organisms
are often present on the skin but do not do any damage unless resistance is lowered by a condition such as irritating friction,
a cut, poor health, poor nutrition, or diabetes mellitus. adj., carbunc´ular., adj.
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