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Invasive M-type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes affecting a family and a residential home

M Barnham1, S Hunter, B Hanratty

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Harrogate District Hospital, Fewston Wing, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate HG2 7SX. mike.barnham@hhc-tr.northy.nhs.uk

Communicable Disease and Public Health
|July 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study details a UK outbreak of M-type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes, causing severe infections in a care home. It highlights the significant risk of secondary infections among close contacts.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The United Kingdom has experienced its first M-type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak in 12 years.
  • Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections pose a significant public health risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe an outbreak of M-type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes in a UK residential home.
  • To assess the risk of secondary infections in close contacts of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes cases.

Main Methods:

  • Case identification and epidemiological linkage within a residential setting.
  • Clinical assessment and screening of residents and staff.
  • Microbiological typing of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.

Main Results:

  • Four linked invasive infections (necrotising fasciitis, pneumonia, parapharyngeal abscess) occurred over two weeks.
  • The outbreak involved M-type 3 Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Screening did not reveal further infections or carriage among contacts.

Conclusions:

  • There is a substantial risk of serious secondary infections following invasive Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Current guidance on chemoprophylaxis for contacts is lacking but needed.

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