Related Experiment Videos
Group C beta-hemolytic streptococci causing pharyngitis and scarlet fever
A P Corson1, V F Garagusi, J H Chretien
1Student Health Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057.
Insights
Group C Streptococcus can cause pharyngitis with symptoms similar to Group A, including scarlet fever. Antibiotic treatment is recommended for Group C streptococcal pharyngitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Streptococcal Infections
Background:
- Pharyngitis is a common condition, often caused by Streptococcus.
- Group A Streptococcus is the most frequent bacterial cause of pharyngitis.
- Group C Streptococcus is a less common cause of pharyngitis.
Observation:
- A case of scarlet fever was linked to group C beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis.
- A review of 541 pharyngitis cases identified 34 with group C Streptococcus.
- Patients with group C Streptococcus showed similar symptoms to those with group A Streptococcus.
Findings:
- Group C Streptococcus can present with fever, exudate, and cervical adenopathy.
- The severity of symptoms, including scarlet fever, was observed in group C infections.
- Clinical presentation of group C streptococcal pharyngitis mirrors that of group A.
Implications:
- Antibiotic treatment is supported for group C streptococcal pharyngitis.
- Recognition of group C Streptococcus as a significant pathogen is important.
- This finding may influence diagnostic and treatment guidelines for pharyngitis.
Abstract:
After a young woman had scarlet fever associated with group C beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis, we reviewed all cases of pharyngitis treated at a student health clinic during that semester. From 541 cases of pharyngitis, 34 cultures yielded group C Streptococcus. The patients who harbored group C organisms were similar to the patients with group A streptococcal pharyngitis in the presence of fever, exudate, and cervical adenopathy. The severity of symptoms and the demonstration of scarlet fever developing from infection with this organism supports antibiotic treatment of patients with group C streptococcal pharyngitis.