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Group C streptococcal arthritis: case report and review
T L Ortel1, J Kallianos, H A Gallis
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Group C streptococci can cause septic arthritis, often affecting joints with prior rheumatologic issues. Accurate identification of these bacteria is crucial for understanding clinical differences and guiding treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococci are a significant cause of nongonococcal septic arthritis, with increasing isolation of groups B and G.
- Group A streptococci are the most common cause, but other groups are emerging.
Observation:
- This study details a case of group C streptococcal arthritis and reviews nine similar cases from literature.
- Group C streptococci encompass both large-colony Voges-Proskauer-negative (e.g., Streptococcus equi) and minute-colony Voges-Proskauer-positive (Streptococcus anginosus group) organisms.
- Joints with pre-existing rheumatologic conditions are more susceptible to infection.
Findings:
- Bacteremia was present in 50% of the 10 patients.
- Associated conditions included pneumonia in one patient and aortic valve endocarditis in another.
- Surgical joint drainage was necessary for six patients.
Implications:
- The diversity within group C streptococci, including distinct colony types and Voges-Proskauer reactions, highlights the need for precise identification.
- Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of streptococcal septic arthritis.
- Distinguishing between different streptococcal groups and their associated clinical presentations is vital for patient care.