Streptococcus equisimilis (group C) as a cause of ophthalmic infections

The first two cases of human ophthalmic infections due to Streptococcus equisimilis (group C) are reported. This organism is known to produce severe infections in animals, but infection in humans is rare. The distinction between beta-hemolytic group C streptococci and group A and their ability to cause disease in susceptible patients is discussed.