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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Acute bacterial arthritis caused by group C streptococci
B González Terán1, M P Roiz, T Ruiz Jimeno
1Rheumatology Division and Microbiology Section, Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain.
Objectives:
To summarize the characteristics of and clinical experience with joint infection by group C streptococcus.
Methods:
Two new cases of acute bacterial arthritis due to group C streptococci are reported, and a MEDLINE search was performed, which located 22 additional cases.
Results:
Mean age (+/- standard deviation) of all 24 patients was 46 +/- 25 years, and most patients were men (75%). The species most frequently identified was Streptococcus equisimilis (12 cases). Eight patients (33%) had a general risk factor for infection, and the same percentage had some type of arthropathy. Only 3 patients had previous contact with animals. The infection was polyarticular in a third of cases, and the joint most frequently involved was the knee. The majority of patients showed a good response to the treatment with intravenous penicillin. However, 3 patients had functional sequelae, 2 more had residual radiological lesions, and 3 died.
Conclusions:
Acute bacterial arthritis due to group C streptococci is a serious but uncommon entity that can affect patients without risk factors. Rapid diagnosis and treatment may improve the outcome. Semin Arthritis Rheum 31:43-51.
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