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Epidemiological aspects of impetigo contagiosa in western Sweden
Abstract:
200 patients with primary impetigo were studied. Staphylococcus aureus was the only organism isolated in 72.5%, beta-hemolytic streptococci, group A, in 10%, and both pathogens in 15%. 17 of the 50 streptococcal isolates were typed serologically; 11 of these belonged to potentially nephritogenic types. A majority of these cases had identical strains in the nose and throat. Hence, the primary source of skin streptococcal in this study may be the nasopharynx. Uncomplicated cases were treated with topical antibiotics, and oral antibiotics were added in 22 cases with extensive lesions, fever or a concurrent throat infection. None of the 200 patients developed acute glomerulonephritis and urinary analyses were normal at follow-up after 3 weeks.
Insights
This study on impetigo found Staphylococcus aureus and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are common causes. The nasopharynx may be the primary source of streptococcal impetigo, and no patients developed acute glomerulonephritis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection.
- Understanding the causative pathogens and their sources is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
- Potential complications like acute glomerulonephritis necessitate careful monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary bacterial pathogens responsible for impetigo in a cohort of 200 patients.
- To investigate the potential nasopharyngeal source of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in impetigo cases.
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes and incidence of acute glomerulonephritis following impetigo.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological culture and isolation of bacterial pathogens from skin lesions.
- Serological typing of streptococcal isolates to identify potentially nephritogenic strains.
- Clinical assessment and follow-up of patients, including urinalysis, to monitor for complications.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 72.5% of cases, Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in 10%, and mixed infections in 15%.
- Eleven of 17 typed streptococcal isolates were potentially nephritogenic.
- A majority of streptococcal cases showed identical strains in the nasopharynx, suggesting it as a reservoir.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are significant pathogens in impetigo.
- The nasopharynx is a likely primary reservoir for streptococcal impetigo.
- No patients developed acute glomerulonephritis, and urinary analyses remained normal, indicating favorable outcomes with the applied treatment strategies.