Erysipelas: clinical and bacteriologic spectrum and serological aspects.
The bacteriologic, serological, and clinical characteristics of 229 patients with erysipelas diagnosed during a 2-year period at a university hospital for infectious diseases in Sweden are presented. Beta-Hemolytic streptococci were detected in 34% of these patients. Group A was the dominant serogroup, but group G streptococci were found in about half as many cases. Bacteremia was present in 5%. A serological response with antistreptolysin O (ASO) and antideoxyribonuclease B (ADNase B) was seen primarily in patients harboring group A streptococci but also in those from whom no pathogen was isolated. ASO was also found in high titers in some patients with Group G streptococcal infection. The clinical course was usually benign, with few complications, but recurrences were common (occurring in 21% of the patients). No cases of streptococcal toxic shock were seen. Culture of skin biopsy specimens had low sensitivity; Beta-hemolytic were isolated from only two of 15 patients.
Eriksson
B
B
Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge Hospital, Sweden.
Jorup-Rönström
C
C
Karkkonen
K
K
Sjöblom
A C
AC
Holm
S E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004886:Erysipelas / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence