What is the most common bacterial cause of cellulitis in patients with diabetes mellitus?

Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as the most common bacterial cause of cellulitis in patients with diabetes mellitus due to its prevalence in skin and soft tissue infections. In individuals with diabetes, impaired immune function and skin integrity, combined with the presence of wounds or ulcers, create a favorable environment for Staphylococcus aureus to infect. This bacterium is a common resident on the skin and can easily enter through breaks in the skin, leading to cellulitis.

Furthermore, Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has become increasingly significant in outpatient and community-acquired infections. The prevalence of this microorganism in cellulitis cases among diabetic patients emphasizes the importance of awareness and appropriate empirical treatment for this population.

The other bacteria listed tend to be associated with specific circumstances. For example, Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, while notable in certain cases of cellulitis, generally occurs less frequently in diabetic patients compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Vibrio vulnificus typically presents in those who have open wounds and are exposed to brackish waters, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more commonly related to infections in immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic wounds rather than typical