- J S Tan: Department of Internal Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, USA.
Staphylococcus and streptococcus are bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the mucous membrane. These bacteria are frequently associated with mild cutaneous infections but may invade to cause deeper infections including necrotizing soft-tissue infections, sepsis with or without metastatic lesions, and immunologic or toxin associated sequelae. Early recognition and timely intervention are the hallmarks of appropriate management. Initial empiric therapy should be directed towards a broad spectrum of pathogens that include Staphylococcus and streptococcus.