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Updated: May 21, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal colitis with secondary bacteremia
Ciji Arthur1, Leann E Linam, W Mathew Linam
1From the *Pediatric Residency Program, †Pediatric Radiology Section and ‡Pediatric Infectious Diseases Section, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus rarely causes invasive colitis. This case details a 5-year-old girl with pancolitis and bacteremia due to this bacterium, a first-time report.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is a common pathogen, typically causing pharyngitis and skin infections.
- GABHS is infrequently identified in stool samples and rarely implicated as a cause of invasive gastrointestinal disease.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of invasive colitis.
- Diagnostic investigations revealed infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with pancolitis, an extensive inflammation of the colon.
- Secondary bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) was confirmed, originating from the GABHS infection.
- This represents the first documented case of GABHS-induced pancolitis complicated by bacteremia.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for GABHS to cause severe gastrointestinal pathology beyond typical infections.
- Underscores the importance of considering GABHS in the differential diagnosis of invasive colitis, especially in pediatric patients.
- Contributes to the understanding of rare streptococcal infections and their management.
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