Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells
09:25

Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells

Published on: August 19, 2016

11.3K

Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci and Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Trond Bruun1,2, Eivind Rath3, Oddvar Oppegaard3

  • 1Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. trond.bruun@helse-bergen.no.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|October 20, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (SD) are severe. Blunt trauma, lack of skin lesions, and lower BMI are risk factors for these infections, with IVIG improving survival.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • β-hemolytic streptococci, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS), are primary causes of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs).
  • Streptococcus dysgalactiae (SD) also causes NSTIs, though less frequently reported.
  • Risk factors differentiating streptococcal NSTIs from cellulitis were not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of NSTIs caused by GAS and SD.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in treating streptococcal NSTIs.
  • To analyze microbial diversity and identify predominant emm types in streptococcal NSTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the INFECT cohort, comprising 409 patients with NSTIs.
  • Comparison of risk factors between NSTIs and streptococcal cellulitis.
  • Assessment of outcomes, including septic shock and mortality, and the impact of IVIG treatment.

Main Results:

  • GAS accounted for 31% and SD for 7% of NSTIs in the cohort.
  • Blunt trauma, absence of pre-existing skin lesions, and lower BMI were identified as risk factors for NSTIs.
  • Septic shock was more frequent in GAS cases and predicted mortality; IVIG treatment was associated with increased survival.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcal NSTIs, particularly those caused by GAS, are severe infections with identifiable risk factors.
  • IVIG may improve survival rates in patients with streptococcal NSTIs.
  • Further research is needed for novel diagnostics and improved treatments for these serious infections.
Keywords:
Group A streptococcusNSTIsNecrotizing fasciitisStreptococcus dysgalactiaeStreptococcus pyogenes

More Related Videos

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

23.4K
Studying Oxidative Stress Caused by the Mitis Group Streptococci in Caenorhabditis elegans09:36

Studying Oxidative Stress Caused by the Mitis Group Streptococci in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: March 23, 2019

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.0K
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes01:30

Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes

Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased...
375
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
252
Special Staining Techniques01:13

Special Staining Techniques

Specialized staining techniques play a vital role in microbiology by enabling the visualization of specific bacterial structures that remain undetectable with standard microscopy methods. These techniques not only enhance the structural visualization of bacterial cells but also provide critical insights into their pathogenicity and classification. Additionally, they support diagnostic and research endeavors in microbiology by identifying key bacterial features.Capsule Staining for Virulence...
946
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria01:30

Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria

Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
385
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic01:26

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
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.
5.2K