Which organism is most likely associated with cellulitis as a typical lesion?

Which organism is most likely associated with cellulitis as a typical lesion?

• A. Aureus
• B. Pyogens
• C. Mycoplasma
• D. Tuberculosis

Answer: (B)

Cellulitis is a spreading infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, typically presenting as a red, warm, tender, and expanding plaque. The organism most classically linked to this typical lesion is Streptococcus pyogenes, a beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus. It readily invades through breaks in the skin and produces the acute, non-purulent cellulitis pattern most people recognize. While Staphylococcus aureus can cause cellulitis as well, especially when pus or abscess is present, the classic cellulitis presentation is most strongly associated with Streptococcus pyogenes. Mycoplasma species are not usual causes of skin cellulitis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis leads to granulomatous lesions typical of TB rather than acute cellulitis.

Cellulitis is a spreading infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, typically presenting as a red, warm, tender, and expanding plaque. The organism most classically linked to this typical lesion is Streptococcus pyogenes, a beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus. It readily invades through breaks in the skin and produces the acute, non-purulent cellulitis pattern most people recognize. While Staphylococcus aureus can cause cellulitis as well, especially when pus or abscess is present, the classic cellulitis presentation is most strongly associated with Streptococcus pyogenes. Mycoplasma species are not usual causes of skin cellulitis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis leads to granulomatous lesions typical of TB rather than acute cellulitis.