Cellulitis

Last updated: Tuesday, 27, July, 2010
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

Pus or aspirate from edge of lesion - wound swab microscopy and culture.

Blood culture if indicated.

Common pathogens

Streptococcus pyogenes

Anti-streptolysin O titre, anti-deoxyribonuclease B antibodies.

Staphylococcus aureus

Clostridium perfringens

Haemophilus influenzae

See Haemophilus influenzae infection.

Unusual pathogens

  • Vibrio vulnificus
Predisposing disorders include cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, haemochromatosis.
  • Aeromonas hydrophila

Animal bites

  • Pasteurella multocida
  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus
See also Wound infection.

Human bites

  • Eikenella corrodens