Streptococcus Pyogenes Skin Infections

Question 1

Name some skin infections caused by streptococcus pyogenes

Answer 1

Cellulitis

Necrotising fasciitis

Question 2

What is cellulitis?

Answer 2

Infection and inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

There is impaired lymphatic drainage

• illicit injecting drug use is an important factor
• *can be acute, sub acute or chronic

Question 3

What is necrotising fasciitis?

Answer 3

Infection of deeper subcutaneous tissues and fascia

There is rapid and extensive necrosis, skin and underlying tissue is said to resemble cottage cheese

Usually secondary to skin break

Severe pain, high fever

High mortality (20-70%)

Question 4

How is necrotising fasciitis treated?

Answer 4

High dose of IV immunoglobulins from pooled donors for max resistance obtained