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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Necrotizing cervical and uterine infection in the postpartum period caused by group A streptococcus
Danielle E Castagnola1, Matthew K Hoffman, John Carlson
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware 19713, USA. dcastagnola@christiancare.org
Background:
Group A Streptococcus, once the most common causes of puerperal sepsis, is now a rare cause of postpartum fever.
Case:
A term 27-year-old woman presented after spontaneous membrane rupture. After an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, she became febrile without a source of infection. Despite two different antibiotic regimens, she remained febrile for 3 days. A computed tomography scan showed a wedge-shaped discontinuity in the anterior uterus suggesting uterine infection with early abscess formation. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and hysterectomy, with an uneventful postoperative course. Uterine pathology revealed a necrotizing infection within the uterus and cervix from Group A Streptococcus.
Conclusion:
Puerperal sepsis from Group A Streptococcus can be a cause of necrotizing infection following delivery. Physicians should be aware of the resurgence of this potentially fatal pathogen.
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