Impetigo is commonly caused by which organism?

Impetigo is commonly caused by which organism?

• A. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
• B. Corynebacterium diphtheriae
• C. Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• D. Streptococcus pyogenes

Answer: (D)

Impetigo is a shallow skin infection that’s most often caused by Group A Streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes. In the common nonbullous form, this organism spreads easily between skin in children and produces the classic honey-colored crusts after rupture of small blisters. Staphylococcus aureus can also be involved in impetigo, but among the options given, Streptococcus pyogenes is the typical culprit. The other organisms listed are associated with different conditions: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes erysipeloid, Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common cause of urinary tract infections.

Impetigo is a shallow skin infection that’s most often caused by Group A Streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes. In the common nonbullous form, this organism spreads easily between skin in children and produces the classic honey-colored crusts after rupture of small blisters. Staphylococcus aureus can also be involved in impetigo, but among the options given, Streptococcus pyogenes is the typical culprit. The other organisms listed are associated with different conditions: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes erysipeloid, Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common cause of urinary tract infections.