Streptococcus pyogenes secondary impetigo due to loofah sponge use

Abstract

Loofah sponges have been implicated in skin and soft tissue infections due to their ability to harbor bacteria and cause microtrauma to the skin. In this case report, we describe a case of impetigo and cellulitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes complicated by secondary spread through loofah sponge use. The same organism was cultured from the infected body sites and loofah sponge, and a comparative genomic analysis confirmed that the isolates were identical.

Keywords

• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Loofah sponge
• Impetigo