NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Study for the NAPLEX exam with a comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions and in-depth explanations. Build your pharmacological knowledge and increase your chances of passing the pharmacist licensure examination!

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Which pathogens are primarily responsible for skin/soft tissue infections?

Staphylococcus aureus, Strep pyogenes
Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus epidermidis
Enterococci, Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The correct answer is: Staphylococcus aureus, Strep pyogenes

Skin and soft tissue infections are commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common bacterial pathogens responsible for skin infections due to its ability to produce various toxins and enzymes that contribute to tissue damage. Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus, is another significant pathogen that can cause cellulitis, erysipelas, and necrotizing fasciitis among other skin infections. These two pathogens together are the main culprits in skin and soft tissue infections. Among the other options, Neisseria meningitidis is mostly associated with meningococcal infections and not commonly involved in skin infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a normal flora of the skin and not a major pathogen causing skin infections. Enterococci typically cause intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections rather than skin infections. Haemophilus influenzae is usually associated with respiratory tract infections and is not a primary pathogen for skin and soft tissue infections. Moraxella catarrhalis is commonly linked to respiratory tract infections while Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for causing infections in immunocompromised individuals or in wounds, but they are not the primary pathogens responsible for skin and soft tissue infections.