Cellulitis is caused by which of the following microorganisms?

Cellulitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections that typically involve the skin and underlying tissues. The main microorganisms responsible for cellulitis include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are known for their ability to invade and cause inflammation in the skin, leading to the symptoms associated with cellulitis such as redness, swelling, and pain.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common inhabitant of the skin and can easily penetrate the skin barrier, especially through cuts, abrasions, or other forms of injury. Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus, is another significant pathogen that can cause cellulitis and has similar invasive capabilities.

While other options mention organisms that can cause skin-related infections or have implications in other types of diseases, they are less characteristic of the typical causal agents of cellulitis. For example, Escherichia coli is primarily associated with urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal issues. Clostridium perfringens is more commonly linked to gas gangrene and food poisoning rather than cellulitis. Mycobacterium leprae is the causative agent of leprosy, which presents with different symptoms and involves chronic skin lesions rather than the acute inflammation characteristic of cellulitis. Therefore,