Group B streptococcal soft tissue infections beyond the neonatal period

In one year sporadic soft tissue infections due to group B streptococci were identified in 37 patients beyond the neonatal period. Serious underlying conditions were present in 25 patients (68%), including 17 (46%) who had diabetes mellitus and 4 (11%) with paraplegia. Unlike previous reports, 12 patients (32%) were previously healthy. Infection developed in 8 persons as a result of minor trauma. The mean age of the normal hosts was 20.9 years, whereas the mean age of patients with underlying disease was 44.2 years (P<.0005). The clinical spectrum was varied and included abscess formation in 17 patients (46%). All patients required treatment with antibiotics and 28 (76%) required admission to hospital. Complete recovery occurred in 33 patients (89%) while 4 with diabetes required amputation of infected extremities. Group B Streptococcus was the only organism identified in 22 patients (59%) while mixed organisms were cultured in 15 (41%), including Staphylococcus aureus in 12 and gram-negative enteropathogens in 4. Group B streptococcal soft tissue infections beyond the neonatal period are common and may even involve normal hosts.