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Community outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal infection
1Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Abstract:
In a two-month period, three cases of septicaemia and one of suppurative tenosynovitis caused by a single strain of Lancefield group A streptococcus, serotype T/M/R 3/3/3, occurred in the district of Nairn (population: 10,239). A primary portal of entry for the organism could not be identified in any of the cases. Laboratory isolates from all four patients were highly susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, but prompt treatment failed to prevent the deaths of two previously healthy adults. Group A streptococci of M-type 3 have not previously been associated with outbreaks of invasive infection.
Insights
A rare, invasive strain of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) caused severe infections, including fatal cases, in Nairn. This M-type 3 strain, typically not associated with outbreaks, highlights emerging infectious disease threats.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lancefield group A streptococcus (GAS) is a significant human pathogen.
- Certain serotypes and M-types of GAS are associated with specific clinical manifestations and virulence.
- Invasive GAS infections can lead to severe morbidity and mortality.