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Balanitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes: a report of two cases
1Department of Urology, Shinkokura Hospital, 1-3-1 Kanada, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu 803-8505, Japan. sakuma-jua@umin.ac.jp
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Streptococcus pyogenes, a common cause of strep throat, can lead to severe balanitis in men. This study suggests a potential link between sexual contact and this rare genital infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Lancefield group A Streptococcus) is a well-known bacterial pathogen.
- It commonly causes pharyngitis (strep throat) and impetigo.
- Its role as a sexually transmitted pathogen is infrequently recognized.
Observation:
- Two cases of severe balanitis in sexually active men are presented.
- Both patients experienced penile cellulitis.
- The infection is hypothesized to have resulted from S. pyogenes invasion through penile abrasions sustained during sexual activity.
Findings:
- S. pyogenes was identified as the causative agent of severe balanitis in both cases.
- Penicillin administration was effective in treating the infections.
- This highlights an unusual presentation of S. pyogenes infection.
Implications:
- These cases suggest S. pyogenes may be an underrecognized cause of balanitis in sexually active individuals.
- Physicians should consider S. pyogenes in the differential diagnosis of severe balanitis, particularly in sexually active men.
- Further research is warranted to understand the transmission dynamics and prevalence of S. pyogenes as a sexually transmitted pathogen.
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