Which organism most commonly causes erysipelas?

Which organism most commonly causes erysipelas?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
• C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• D. Group A Streptococcus

Answer: (D)

Erysipelas is an acute infection that involves the superficial dermis and lymphatics, and it is most commonly caused by Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). This organism fits the classic presentation: a rapidly enlarging, well-demarcated, raised, red plaque, often on the face or legs. Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin infections too, but it typically leads to cellulitis without the sharply defined borders or the same tendency to involve lymphatics seen in erysipelas. The other organisms listed are not typical causes of erysipelas in most cases. So, Group A Streptococcus best explains the common presentation of erysipelas.

Erysipelas is an acute infection that involves the superficial dermis and lymphatics, and it is most commonly caused by Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). This organism fits the classic presentation: a rapidly enlarging, well-demarcated, raised, red plaque, often on the face or legs. Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin infections too, but it typically leads to cellulitis without the sharply defined borders or the same tendency to involve lymphatics seen in erysipelas. The other organisms listed are not typical causes of erysipelas in most cases. So, Group A Streptococcus best explains the common presentation of erysipelas.