Soft tissue and muscular infections (including group A streptococci).

Skin, soft tissue and muscular infections are very common and can progress to induce serious life-threatening local and systemic complications. They often occur in sites that have been compromised or injured by foreign bodies, trauma, ischaemia, malignancy or surgery. In addition to group A streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus, the indigenous local microflora is usually responsible for these infections. Anatomical sites that are subject to faecal or oral contamination are particularly at risk. The early recognition and proper medical and surgical management of these infections are of primary importance.