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A family cluster of five cases of group A streptococcal pneumonia

Sumita Roy1, Edward L Kaplan, Benigno Rodriguez

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.

Pediatrics
|July 3, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Severe group A Streptococcus (GAS) pneumonia infected five family members, causing complications like sepsis and empyema. This large family cluster highlights the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in close contacts of invasive GAS disease.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant bacterial pathogen.
  • Invasive GAS disease can lead to severe complications and outbreaks.

Observation:

  • A family cluster of 5 individuals experienced severe GAS pneumonia, with 3 developing complications including sepsis and empyema.
  • GAS was identified in blood, pleural fluid, and oropharyngeal samples from affected family members.
  • Molecular analysis confirmed a single GAS strain responsible for the outbreak in the family.

Findings:

  • The study identified the largest reported family cluster of invasive GAS disease to date.
  • The attack rate within the family was 41.7%, indicating high transmissibility.
  • All GAS isolates shared identical DNA patterns, the speA gene, and T-1, M-1 serotype.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for rapid GAS transmission within households.
  • Findings support the recommendation for antibiotic prophylaxis in close contacts of invasive GAS disease cases.
  • Further research into GAS transmission dynamics and prevention strategies is warranted.

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