Anal colonization of group G beta-hemolytic streptococci in relapsing erysipelas of the lower extremity.
Four patients who had frequent relapses of erysipelas but no obvious portal of entry and no beta-hemolytic streptococci in specimens from conventional culture sites all had group G streptococci in cultures of specimens from the anal canal. It is suggested that anal colonization with group G streptococci, and possibly group A and other beta-hemolytic streptococci, may constitute a reservoir for streptococci in such cases.
Eriksson
B K
BK
Department of Infectious Diseases, Huddinge University Hospital, S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden. Bjorn.Eriksson@impi.ki.se
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000382:microbiology*; D004886:Erysipelas / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*