title: Primary peritonitis due to group A streptococcus.
abstract: Primary peritonitis is a rare condition occurring, by definition, in patients without underlying causes, such as perforated viscus, pre-existing ascites, or nephrosis. We report a case of primary peritonitis and shock due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, a rare etiology. A review of the world's literature shows a predilection for women to have this condition. The entry site is obscure in most cases. Asymptomatic genital tract colonization may be a portal of entry in some women. Shock or toxic shock syndrome often accompany the abdominal findings. Laparotomy to exclude a perforated viscus may be unavoidable. Despite the significant morbidity, expeditious and appropriate antibiotic therapy is curative.
authors.affiliation: Heritage Valley Health System, The Medical Center, Beaver, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moskovitz
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ehrenberg
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grieco
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chamovitz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Book
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents