Differences in Clinical Features and Outcomes between Group A- and Group G Streptococcus-Induced Cellulitis

Background: Streptococci are the main causative agents of cellulitis, and group G Streptococcus (GGS) shares many important virulent factors with group A Streptococcus (GAS). The difference in the clinical features of GAS- and GGS-induced cellulitis, however, has not been thoroughly characterized. Objective: Our aim was to recognize the differences in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of lower limb cellulitis caused by GAS and GGS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 29 patients diagnosed with GAS- or GGS-induced lower limb cellulitis during the period from January 2008 to September 2013. Results: While the clinical manifestations of GAS-induced cellulitis were likely to be uniform, those of GGS-induced cellulitis were variable, depending on the predisposing factors. GGS-induced cellulitis occurred more frequently in older person who had chronic underlying illness. Conclusion: We identified clinical predisposing factors that can predict the clinical course and outcomes of GGS-induced cellulitis.