Cause of Cellulitis

The most common cause of cellulitis in adults with no other medical conditions is group A streptococcus, which is a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin. Another cause of cellulitis in adults is Staphylococcus aureus, which is a bacterium that is commonly found on the human skin and mucosa (the lining of the mouth and nose). Certain risk factors --such as problems with the lymphatic system and breaks in the skin -- can increase a person's chances of developing cellulitis.

 

Cause of Cellulitis: An Introduction

Cellulitis is an infection that is caused by bacteria. Although doctors are aware of the causes of cellulitis, they can seldom explain why one person will get the infection and another person will not.
 

Common Causes of Cellulitis

The most common cause of cellulitis in adults with no medical conditions is group A streptococcus, which is a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin.
 
Another common cause of cellulitis in adults is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is a bacterium that is commonly found on human skin and mucosa (lining of mouth and nose).
 

Other Causes of Cellulitis

In rare cases, other bacteria can cause cellulitis. When this does occur, it is usually the result of a medical condition such as diabetes, HIV, or AIDS, or because the cellulitis is in a very specific place.
 
Other bacteria that can cause cellulitis include:
 
  • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
  • P. aeruginosa
  • Vibrio vulnificus
  • Clostridium septicum
  • Pasteurella multocida
  • Erysipelothrix
  • E. coli
  • Group B streptococcus.
 
(Cause of Cellulitis Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD