Streptococcus pyogenes

This organism is a member of the normal human nasopharyngeal flora. S. pyogenes is a group A streptococcus and is the leading cause of uncomplicated bacterial pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Infections can also result in sinusitis, otitis, mastoiditis, pneumonia with empyema, joint or bone infections, necrotizing fasciitis or myositis, and, more infrequently, in meningitis or endocarditis. S. pyogenes infections of the skin can be superficial (impetigo) or deep (cellulitis). This organism is commonly referred to by the lay press as "flesh eating bacteria" [1].