Large-scale questionnaire surveillance concerning invasive infections with group C and G streptococci

Abstract

A large-scale questionnaire surveillance was conducted regarding the onset of invasive infections with beta-hemolytic group C (GCS) and group G (GGS) streptococci from clinical specimens that are normally aseptic and the backgrounds of these cases. The surveillance period of the questionnaire was 8 months from January to August 2005. Completed questionnaires were received from the clinical laboratories of 193 medical institutions. One hundred two clinical laboratories (52.8%) had isolated these beta-hemolytic streptococci. Of all the isolates, GCS and GGS accounted for 25 and 216 cases, respectively, or a ratio of almost 1:10. Isolates from blood cultures accounted for half the number of all isolates, followed by isolates from atretic pus or joint fluid. The isolates gradually became more prevalent from patients in their 40s, and peaked in patients in their 70s. The most prevalent disorder, described in 184 cases, was suppurative disease followed by (in descending order), bacteremia, sepsis, arthritis purulenta and cellulitis. A small number of patients had developed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, empyema or meningitis. Most of the patients had an underlying disease, such as diabetes mellitus, malignancy or cerebrovascular disease (in descending order). We conclude from the above findings that background factors in patients as well as identification of the pathogen should be made public when GCS or GGS is isolated from normally aseptic clinical specimens.