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Group G streptococcal bacteremia in a chronically constipated adolescent
Southern Medical Journal
|August 1, 1987
Summary
A case study highlights group G Streptococcus causing gastroenteritis and bacteremia in a chronically constipated adolescent. This supports the theory that compromised gut barriers facilitate streptococcal infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Group G Streptococcus (GGS) is an uncommon cause of human infection.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are not typically associated with GGS infections.
- Chronic constipation can lead to colonic distention and potential mucosal compromise.
Observation:
- A male adolescent with chronic constipation and developmental delay presented with gastroenteritis symptoms.
- Stool cultures were positive for GGS during two separate episodes.
- The first episode also involved GGS bacteremia.
Findings:
- This case uniquely presents gastroenteritis as the primary manifestation of GGS disease.
- The findings support the hypothesis that breaches in mucosal barriers promote GGS bacteremia.
- Chronic constipation and colonic distention may create such a barrier breach.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of group G Streptococcus infections.
- It underscores the importance of considering GGS in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and underlying conditions predisposing to infection.
- Further research into the role of gut barrier integrity in GGS pathogenesis is warranted.