Group C streptococcal cellulitis, looking deeper than the skin

Group C streptococci (GCS), predominantly Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis in humans, are gram-positive, ß-hemolytic bacteria that form part of the normal oral flora and may be seen in cases of pharyngitis and cellulitis. In a review of 88 patients with GCS bacteremia, infections commonly originated from the upper respiratory tract (20.5%), gastrointestinal tract (18.2%), or the skin (17.1%).1 GCS has also been reported in septic arthritis, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic shock–like syndrome.