[Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infections in non-pregnant adults]

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus) is a major cause of invasive diseases in non-pregnant adults, particularly in the elderly and those with underlying conditions. We describe these conditions and clinical characteristics of patients followed in our teaching hospital.

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 64 patients with S. agalactiae-related invasive infection, hospitalized between January 1997 and January 2006.

The mean age of patients was 59 (+/-17 years). The H:F sex ratio was 1.06. At least one underlying condition was found in 90.6%. Diabetes mellitus (43.7%), peripheral vascular disease (34.4%), myocardial ischemia (20.3%) and malignant neoplasms (20.3%) were among the most frequent conditions. The mean index of comorbidity (Charlson) was 2.5 (+/-2). Common clinical manifestations included infection of the urinary tract (32.8%), skin and soft-tissue (25%), and osteoarthritis (21.9%). Bacteremia occurred in 31.2% with no identified source in 2 patients. During the first month, 2 cases of endocarditis, 1 case of meningitis, and 4 deaths occurred.

We confirm the importance of underlying diseases in the emergence of S. agalactiae infections.