Related Experiment Videos
Group L beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection in meat handlers: another streptococcal zoonosis?
1Department of Microbiology, Harrogate General Hospital, North Yorkshire.
Abstract:
Group L, beta-haemolytic streptococci can cause infection in dogs, pigs, cattle and sheep but there have been very few reports in man. In studies of skin infection in meat handlers we cultured group L streptococci from clinically infected wounds, impetigo and paronychia of 15 patients involved in the slaughter and processing of chickens and pigs. Staphylococcus aureus was also present in eight (53%) of the lesions. At least five other infections with group L streptococci in meat and animal handlers are known to have occurred in other parts of England in recent years, and brief details are given.
Insights
Group L beta-haemolytic streptococci infections are rare in humans but were found in 15 meat handlers. These bacteria, alongside Staphylococcus aureus, caused skin infections in workers processing chickens and pigs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Group L beta-haemolytic streptococci commonly infect animals like cattle, pigs, and sheep.
- Human infections with this pathogen are infrequently reported.
- Occupational exposure in animal handlers presents a potential route for zoonotic transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and clinical presentation of Group L streptococcal infections in human meat handlers.
- To identify associated bacterial co-pathogens in these infections.
- To document cases of human infection with Group L streptococci in England.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of bacterial pathogens from skin lesions of meat handlers.
- Clinical assessment of infected wounds, impetigo, and paronychia.
- Epidemiological review of recent Group L streptococcal infections in animal handlers in England.
Main Results:
- Group L streptococci were isolated from 15 meat handlers involved in chicken and pig processing.
- Clinical manifestations included infected wounds, impetigo, and paronychia.
- Staphylococcus aureus was co-isolated in 53% of the lesions.
Conclusions:
- Group L beta-haemolytic streptococci can cause significant skin infections in humans, particularly in occupational settings involving animal meat handling.
- The findings highlight the zoonotic potential of these bacteria and the importance of considering them in differential diagnoses for skin infections in at-risk populations.
- Further surveillance and understanding of transmission dynamics are warranted.