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Perianal infection with group A streptococcus
1West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1987
Insights
Pediatric anal fissures typically resolve with conservative treatment. However, two cases show infection with Group A Streptococcus, causing perianal skin inflammation and excoriation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Anal fissures are common in children and usually self-limiting.
- Standard treatment involves stool softeners and topical anesthetics.
- Infection is an uncommon complication of anal fissures.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of anal fissure with unusual perianal skin findings are presented.
- The affected perianal skin was erythematous and excoriated.
- Cultures were taken from the perianal skin lesions.
Findings:
- Lancefield group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from the perianal skin cultures in both cases.
- This suggests a bacterial etiology for the observed skin changes.
- The identified bacteria are a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections.
Implications:
- This highlights the potential for streptococcal infection in pediatric anal fissures.
- Prompt identification and treatment of such infections may be necessary.
- Further investigation into the incidence of bacterial infection in pediatric anal fissures is warranted.
Abstract:
Anal fissure in childhood usually heals quickly after treatment with stool softeners and a local anaesthetic ointment; infection does not usually occur. Two cases are reported in which Lancefield group A beta haemolytic streptococci were isolated from cultures from the perianal skin, which was erythematous and excoriated.