Erysipelas: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

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Erysipelas: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

The primary etiological agent of erysipelas is

A Staphylococcus aureus
B Neisseria sp
C Beta-hemolytic streptococcus
D Malassezia furfur

Answer and topic summary

The answer is C, Beta-hemolytic streptococcus

Usually caused by streptococci; most often Streptococcus pyogenes

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Pearls

Erysipelas is distinct form of cellulitis notable for acute, well-demarcated, raised superficial bacterial skin infection with lymphatic involvement almost always caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Fever and chills.

  • Erysipelas is a type of superficial cellulitis with dermal lymphatic involvement
  • Looks like cellulitis but it is well-demarcated and caused by Group A Strep
  • Must rule out MRSA

Diagnosis

Clinical presentation

  • Blood test: CBC:↑ CRP, ↑ ESR, ↑ WBCs
  • Antistreptolysin titer O shows streptococcal involvement
  • Wound, blood culture

Treatment

Treat with antibiotics: oral penicillins/macrolides, vancomycin for MRSA, intravenous (IV) route in severe infection

Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Dermatology (5%) ⇒ Dermatologic Infectious diseases ⇒ Erysipelas