Acute bacterial arthritis caused by group C streptococci.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the characteristics of and clinical experience with joint infection by group C streptococcus.


METHODS
Two new cases of acute bacterial arthritis due to group C streptococci are reported, and a MEDLINE search was performed, which located 22 additional cases.


RESULTS
Mean age (+/- standard deviation) of all 24 patients was 46 +/- 25 years, and most patients were men (75%). The species most frequently identified was Streptococcus equisimilis (12 cases). Eight patients (33%) had a general risk factor for infection, and the same percentage had some type of arthropathy. Only 3 patients had previous contact with animals. The infection was polyarticular in a third of cases, and the joint most frequently involved was the knee. The majority of patients showed a good response to the treatment with intravenous penicillin. However, 3 patients had functional sequelae, 2 more had residual radiological lesions, and 3 died.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute bacterial arthritis due to group C streptococci is a serious but uncommon entity that can affect patients without risk factors. Rapid diagnosis and treatment may improve the outcome. Semin Arthritis Rheum 31:43-51.
González Terán
B
B
Rheumatology Division and Microbiology Section, Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain.
Roiz
M P
MP
Ruiz Jimeno
T
T
Rosas
J
J
Calvo-Alén
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003023:Cloxacillin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D018502:Streptococcus equi / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D003023:Cloxacillin; D010400:Penicillin G