Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Outbreak of infections caused by Group A Streptococcus after modified radical mastectomy
Chen Qing-Zeng1, Sun Yun-Bo, Liu Shi-Hai
1Infectious Disease Office, Qingdao University, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China, 26003. chenqingzeng2002@yahoo.com
Background:
Eight infections occurred after modified radical mastectomies in a tertiary-care hospital. Group A streptococci (GAS) were isolated from three of the eight patients.
Methods:
To control the outbreak, an epidemiologic investigation was conducted, and healthcare workers were screened for pathogens. Strains isolated from healthcare workers were compared with patient strains by emm typing.
Results:
One surgeon attended one of the eight operations and observed the other seven. Streptococcus strains from the hands of this surgeon were identical to the patient strains. After the surgeon was suspended from duty and underwent eradication treatment, the outbreak was controlled.
Conclusions:
This outbreak of GAS infection is believed to have occurred by airborne transmission. Suspending patient care by healthcare workers who carry the causative GAS in a site(s) other than the respiratory tract for only the first 24 h they are receiving chemoprophylaxis may not be long enough. Sampling of the hands of healthcare workers during an investigation of nosocomial GAS infection is valuable.
Insights
A surgeon caused a Group A Streptococcus (GAS) outbreak in a hospital. Hand hygiene and screening healthcare workers are vital for preventing nosocomial GAS infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Hospital-Acquired Infections
Background:
- Eight post-mastectomy infections were reported.
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) identified in three patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate a GAS outbreak following modified radical mastectomies.
- Identify the source and transmission route of GAS.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiologic investigation and healthcare worker screening.
- emm typing to compare patient and healthcare worker GAS strains.
Main Results:
- GAS strains from a surgeon's hands matched patient strains.
- Outbreak controlled after surgeon's suspension and treatment.
- Surgeon involved in 8/8 cases, observed 7.
Conclusions:
- Airborne transmission suspected for this GAS outbreak.
- Current chemoprophylaxis duration may be insufficient.
- Hand screening of healthcare workers is crucial in nosocomial GAS investigations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System