An outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes infections in a nursing home

An outbreak of serious infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes occurred in a nursing home for elderly patients. The outbreak began in mid-winter and continued for 12 months. Thirteen residents and two nurses had infections. Severity of infection was worse in residents, who developed sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis, septic arthritis, pneumonia, and conjunctivitis; in contrast, the nurses had pharyngitis only. Six of thirteen residents required acute hospital care, and the index case died with sepsis. Typing of S. pyogenes was done in 13 of 15 cases, and the same serotype (M-non-typable, T-25) was found. Control measures consisted of identifying all patients with infections, obtaining cultures, and providing prompt treatment. Patients in nursing homes are highly susceptible to serious infections with S. pyogenes.