Invasive group G streptococcal infections: a review of 37 cases.
BACKGROUND
Beta-hemolytic streptococci group A, B, and D which cause many diseases have been well studied. Infection caused by group G Streptococcus has increased in clinical significance, and thus is attracting more physicians attention. This retrospective analysis reports clinical experience with such infections at the Veterans General Hospital-Taipei.


METHODS
Medical records of invasive group G streptococcal isolates from March 1991 to April 1994 were reviewed. Thirty-seven cases were included.


RESULTS
There were 33 males and 4 females with a mean age of 67.4. Major underlying diseases included diabetes (24.3%), cardiovascular diseases (21.6%), malignancy (21.6%), bone or joint diseases (18.9%) and cirrhosis of the liver (13.5%). Only 8.1% cases had no underlying disease. The most common portal of entry was the skin (64.9%). There was a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including cellulitis (32.4%), arthritis or osteomyelitis (16.2%), endocarditis (8.1%), meningitis (8.1%), peritonitis (8.1%), empyema (5.4%) and primary bacteremia (27%). All of these isolates were susceptible to penicillin, oxacillin, cefazolin, clindamycin and vancomycin. Ten patients died, and five of these expired from group G streptococcal infections.


CONCLUSIONS
Group G Streptococcus is a low virulent microorganism. Clinical improvement after therapy is fast. Poor response to antibiotics should prompt investigation of the underlying diseases or undrained foci of infection.
Liu
C E
CE
Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Jang
T N
TN
Wang
F D
FD
Wang
L S
LS
Liu
C Y
CY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents