[Fulminant streptococcus infection of soft tissue].
BACKGROUND
In recent years there has been an apparent increase in severe infections produced by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci in developed countries. Necrotizing fascitis and myositis are two rare but fearsome complications caused by this microorganism.


METHODS
Two cases of fulminant soft tissue infection recently observed in the authors' center are presented and the clinical presentation and differential diagnosis commented upon.


RESULTS
The first case was a necrotizing fascitis at a surgical wound which appeared following a gynecological surgery. The second case reports gluteal myositis following intramuscular injection. In both cases the evolution was disastrous.


CONCLUSIONS
Streptococcus pyogenes may produce fulminant infections in patients without underlying disease either spontaneously or following minimum traumas. The most frequent involvement is of the soft tissues. This virulence at a local tissue and systemic level has been associated with the production of exotoxin.
Corredoira
J C
JC
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Xeral-Calde, Lugo.
Toledo
A
A
Bermejo
R
R
Rodríguez
A
A
Coira
A
A
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009220:Myositis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes