Bacteria are described as what in relation to skin infections like folliculitis and impetigo?

• A. A non-pathogenic group
• B. A rare group
• C. Always pathogenic
• D. A very important group of microorganisms that can cause folliculitis and impetigo

Answer: (D)

Bacteria can be pathogenic and are a primary cause of common skin infections like folliculitis and impetigo. Many bacteria live on the skin harmlessly, but under certain conditions they invade or overgrow and trigger infection, which is why these conditions are often attributed to bacterial agents such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. They are not a non-pathogenic group, nor are they rare; and while some bacteria on the skin are harmless, they are not always pathogenic. The best description is that bacteria are a very important group of microorganisms that can cause folliculitis and impetigo.