Streptococcal Infections of Skin and Soft Tissues

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A in the Lancefield classification) is one of the most common human pathogens. Although this ubiquitous organism is responsible for a wide array of illnesses, most attention has focused on its relation to acute pharyngitis, because of the frequency of that condition and its potential for inciting acute rheumatic fever. The recent resurgence of invasive group A streptococcal infections,1,2 however, is a reminder that the pathogen can cause a variety of skin and soft-tissue infections, some of which are severe and even life-threatening.Streptococcal PyodermaPyoderma, or impetigo, is a localized, purulent infection of the . . .