Group G streptococcal arthritis and bowel disease: a rare enteropathic arthropathy

Group G streptococci may be seen as normal flora in many parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. They are rarely pathogens in humans, but they have been isolated from septic joints in debilitated patients. Three patients with group G streptococcal arthritis were further evaluated using contrast studies of the colon. Abnormalities, including an occult carcinoma and a colocutaneous fistula, were found. We conclude that group G streptococcal arthritis may be associated with gastrointestinal abnormalities that allow a portal of entry for an otherwise innocuous organism, and that this represents a rare enteropathic arthropathy.