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Infection with Streptococcus agalactiae in a London hospital
Abstract:
Streptococcus agalactiae is presently the commonest beta-haemolytic streptococcus isolated from clinical material in this hospital. Between October 1974 and March 1975, 81 patients with such infections were seen. Seventeen had urinary tract infections, six had septicaemia, and one neonate had meningitis. Three of those with septicaemia were neonates and two died. The organism was also found to be a cause of pyogenic skin conditions in five patients. Isolates from throat swabs in 12 patients, from sputum in four, and from the female genital tract in 18 were considered part of the normal flora. Human strains of Str. agalactiae were found to be biochemically different from animal strains.
Insights
Streptococcus agalactiae is a common cause of infections, including urinary tract infections and sepsis, particularly in neonates. Human strains exhibit biochemical differences from animal strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae, a beta-hemolytic streptococcus, is frequently isolated from clinical samples.
- This study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of S. agalactiae infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Streptococcus agalactiae infections in a hospital setting.
- To characterize the types of infections caused by S. agalactiae.
- To compare human and animal strains of S. agalactiae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae.
- Identification of infection types and patient demographics.
- Biochemical characterization of human and animal strains.
Main Results:
- Eighty-one patients had S. agalactiae infections between October 1974 and March 1975.
- Common infections included urinary tract infections (17 cases), sepsis (6 cases), and meningitis (1 neonate).
- S. agalactiae was also implicated in pyogenic skin conditions (5 cases) and identified as normal flora in various sites.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus agalactiae is a significant pathogen causing diverse infections, with notable impact on neonates.
- Human S. agalactiae strains display distinct biochemical profiles compared to animal strains.