Community-acquired invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in Zuni Indians.
BACKGROUND
Outbreaks of invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABS) infections have recently been reported. We observed a high incidence of invasive GABS disease among Native Americans at a small rural community hospital between 1982 and 1991.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed, and all cases of invasive GABS disease were studied for their clinical features.


RESULTS
Sixteen cases of invasive GABS infection were identified during the 10-year study period. The rate of invasive GABS infection was 13.3 cases per 100,000 population per year. Mortality was 25%. Nearly half of the patients presented with systemic signs of sepsis without any obvious source of infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience documents a high rate of invasive GABS infections in a defined Native American population. To determine whether this population has a unique susceptibility to GABS disease requires further study.
Benjamin
E M
EM
Department of Medicine, Public Health Service Indian Hospital, Zuni, NM 87327.
Gershman
M
M
Goldberg
B W
BW
D000328:Adult; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009516:New Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000208:ethnology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*