Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Management of an outbreak of postpartum Streptococcus pyogenes emm75 infections
K Trell1, J Jörgensen2, M Rasmussen1
1Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Background:
Streptococcus pyogenes is a well-known cause of postpartum infections and is causing significant morbidity and mortality.
Aim:
To describe measures taken to control an outbreak of postpartum infections caused by S. pyogenes emm75 on a maternity ward.
Methods:
Patients presenting postpartum with signs and symptoms of infection were cultured for β-haemolytic streptococci with cervical swabs and blood cultures, and bacterial isolates were species-determined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and emm-typed. Pharyngeal swabs were taken from healthcare workers (HCWs) at the ward. Bacterial isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The multi-locus sequence type and the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) compared to an index genome were determined.
Findings:
During a three-month period, six cases of postpartum infection with S. pyogenes emm75 were identified on the maternity ward. By comparing delivery dates with duty rotas, one HCW was identified as a possible source of infection in five cases. After repeated pharyngeal swabs from this individual, an S. pyogenes emm75 was isolated. The five isolates from patients epidemiologically linked to the HCW and the two isolates of the family members had an identical sequence type (ST49) and 0-2 SNPs difference compared to the HCW isolate, whereas the sixth patient had an unrelated isolate. Eradication antibiotic therapy with clindamycin and rifampicin was given to the carrier. All patients received intravenous antibiotic treatment and recovered.
Conclusion:
A three-month outbreak was stopped when a carrier was identified and treated. Source identification and WGS proved vital for outbreak control.
Insights
A postpartum Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak was controlled by identifying a healthcare worker carrier and treating them. Whole-genome sequencing was crucial for pinpointing the source and stopping the infection spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant cause of postpartum infections, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality.
- Postpartum infections pose a substantial risk to maternal health and require effective control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the strategies implemented to manage and control an outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes emm75 infections on a maternity ward.
- To identify the source of the S. pyogenes outbreak and implement targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and emm-typing for bacterial identification.
- Employed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to determine multi-locus sequence types and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences.
- Collected cervical swabs, blood cultures from patients, and pharyngeal swabs from healthcare workers (HCWs).
Main Results:
- Six cases of S. pyogenes emm75 postpartum infections were identified over three months.
- Whole-genome sequencing identified a single HCW as the likely source for five cases, with isolates showing 0-2 SNP differences.
- The identified carrier received successful eradication antibiotic therapy, and all infected patients recovered after treatment.
Conclusions:
- The three-month outbreak was successfully terminated by identifying and treating the asymptomatic carrier.
- Whole-genome sequencing and source identification were critical components in controlling the S. pyogenes outbreak.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....