title: Beta-haemolytic streptococci from the female genital tract: clinical correlates and outcome of treatment.
abstract: Clinical features, treatment and outcome were assessed retrospectively by means of a questionnaire in 174 patients in general practice whose vaginal swabs yielded beta-haemolytic streptococci. These were compared with 96 patients whose swabs yielded no recognized microbial pathogens. Patients with group B streptococci did not differ in any of these parameters from the control group, but those with group A streptococci were more likely to have vaginal soreness, a purulent discharge, and to respond to anti-streptococcal antibiotics. Implications for laboratory reporting are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Department, Worthing Hospital, West Sussex.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014626:Vaginal Smears
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents