Related Experiment Videos
Fatal infection associated with group C streptococci
A C Bateman1, A D Ramsay, A P Pallett
1Department of Histopathology, Southampton General Hospital.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Serious infections from Lancefield group C streptococci are rare in humans. This report details two fatal cases, highlighting the potential for severe illness even in previously healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Lancefield group C streptococci are uncommon human pathogens.
- These bacteria typically cause disease in animals.
- Recent reports indicate a rise in serious human infections.
Observation:
- Two unrelated fatalities in a 55-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man.
- The woman died from gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea and vomiting).
- The man died from non-specific symptoms, later found to have aortic stenosis and septic emboli.
Findings:
- Lancefield group C streptococci were isolated from both deceased patients.
- Post-mortem revealed septicaemia in the woman.
- Post-mortem revealed widespread septic emboli and probable meningitis in the man.
Implications:
- Serious human infections by Lancefield group C streptococci, though rare, can be fatal.
- Predisposing factors may include advanced age or underlying health conditions.
- Asymptomatic carriage is possible, necessitating awareness in clinical settings.