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Cellulitis is a diffuse infection that causes redness, heat, and swelling of the skin and underlying soft tissue, particularly on the legs. It should be distinguished from cutaneous inflammation associated with a suppurative focus, such as an abscess, furuncle, or underlying osteomyelitis. The microbial cause of cellulitis has been difficult to define, because cultures of blood, skin aspirates, or cutaneous biopsies are generally positive in less than 20% of patients. Findings from previous studies that made use of cultures, serology, immunofluorescent staining of skin biopsies for streptococcal antigens, and experimental models in animals have suggested that the vast majority of cases are caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci, not only Gro…