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Published on: April 7, 2015

Invasive group A streptococcus infection presenting as purulent pericarditis with multiple splenic abscesses: case

Sree Mallikarjuna Pemira1, Robert W Tolan

  • 1The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus can cause invasive infections like purulent pericarditis, a rare but serious condition. This case highlights a 4-year-old boy with this infection and splenic abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Purulent pericarditis is a severe pericardial infection characterized by pus formation.
  • Staphylococcus is the most common causative agent, but other bacteria can be involved.

Observation:

  • A case study of a 4-year-old boy with invasive group A streptococcal disease is presented.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms of purulent pericarditis and multiple splenic abscesses.

Findings:

  • Group A Streptococcus was identified as the pathogen responsible for the purulent pericarditis.
  • The presence of splenic abscesses indicates a widespread invasive infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for group A Streptococcus to cause severe, invasive infections in children.
  • Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing purulent pericarditis and associated complications.

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