PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Prevention of group B streptococcal infection in neonates.

Most publications on the subject of group B streptococcus since December 1996 have concentrated on supporting and to some degree extending our existing knowledge of the epidemiology of group B streptococcus and of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis, which is the only approach available for reducing the incidence of group B streptococcal infection. Of greatest importance clinically are the reviews and studies on intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis, which continue to show that this is a worthwhile intervention as it significantly reduces the incidence of early onset group B streptococcal sepsis. The best approach to the detection of carriage is also covered, as is the changing epidemiology as a result of the implementation of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis in some centres. Finally, the prospect of a vaccine is discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Invasive group A streptococcal infections in a large tertiary center: epidemiology, characteristics and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections are increasing alarmingly worldwide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To determine the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of invasive GAS in a large tertiary medical center, we retrospectively surveyed microbiology and medical records of patients with invasive GAS infections (isolation of Group A Streptococcus from a normally sterile site) treated in our hospital from January 1995 to December 1997. RESULTS: 70 patients with a median age of 48 years (range 2 months-88 years) were identified. Of the 70 identified, 53 (76%) were adults (age > or = 19 years). The most common co-morbid diseases for invasive GAS in adults were diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure (CHF), malignancy and immunosuppression. A probable port of entry was identified in 31 (44%) of the cases. In children, varicella lesions were the major port of entry. Overall mortality rate was 17%: The difference in mortality between pediatric and adult cases was significant (0/17 vs 12/53, respectively; p = 0.03). Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and necrotizing fasciitis were identified in 8.6% and 5.7% of the cases, respectively, with mortalities of 83.3% and 25%. Hyponatremia and hypocalcemia were more frequently observed among the severely ill. CONCLUSION: Invasive GAS infections tend to have an unexpected course and a broad clinical spectrum, ranging from local skin or pharyngeal involvement to deeply invasive fasciitis with TSS and high mortality. The elderly and those with underLying medical conditions are at utmost rsk for invasive GAS. Clear-cut guidelines for early therapeutic strategy, i.e. antibiotic administration and preemptive hospital admission are needed for community-based physicians.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

A one-year study of streptococcal infections and their complications among Ethiopian children.

Post-streptococcal complications are known to be common among Ethiopian children. Little is known, however, about the epidemiology of beta-haemolytic streptococci in Ethiopia. A total of 816 children were studied during a one-year period: 24 cases of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), 44 chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD), 44 acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), 143 tonsillitis, 55 impetigo, and 506 were apparently healthy children. Both ARF and APSGN occurred throughout the year with two peaks during the rainy and cold seasons. The female:male ratio among ARF patients was 1.4:1 and 1:1.9 among APSGN. The monthly carrier rate of beta-haemolytic streptococci group A varied from 7.5-39%, average being 17%. T type 2 was the most frequent serotype. Marked seasonal fluctuations were noted in the distribution of serogroups among apparently healthy children. Beta-haemolytic streptococci group A dominated during the hot and humid months of February-May. Strains were susceptible to commonly used antibiotics, except for tetracycline.

Carrier State↗
PubMed1986

Maternal immunoglobulin allotype (Gm and Km) and neonatal group B streptococcal infection.

Gm and Km(1) allotypes in 37 mothers of neonates with severe Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection were compared with 115 mothers of non-infected infants, 36 of whom were known to be colonized with GBS. Deficits in G1m(1) and Km(1), and an increased incidence of G2m(23), were found in mothers of infected infants. Km(1) was associated mainly with the phenotype Gm(1, (2), 3, 17; 23; 5, 10, 11, 21) in mothers of infected infants while being uniformly distributed in mothers of non-infected infants. This study would seem, therefore, to support reports of Gm and Km(1) allotype involvement in maternal response to GBS infection and immunity in the new-born.

Female↗
PubMed1999

Nosocomial group A streptococcal infections associated with asymptomatic health-care workers--Maryland and California, 1997.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a common cause of pharyngitis and uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections, can cause serious invasive infections (including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome [STSS]) and death. Since 1965, at least 15 postoperative or postpartum GAS outbreaks attributed to asymptomatic carriage in health-care workers (HCWs) have been reported. This report describes two nosocomial outbreaks of GAS infection in Maryland and California during 1996-1997; the findings suggest that early infection-control measures that include active surveillance may interrupt transmission and prevent morbidity and mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Group B streptococcal infections in elderly adults.

Elderly adults account for >40% of persons with invasive group B streptococcal (GBS) disease and for >50% of GBS-associated deaths in the United States. The prevalence of colonization among healthy elderly adults (approximately 25%) is similar to that among women of childbearing age. Delineating contributions of comorbid conditions, altered integrity of anatomical barriers, and abnormalities in immune responses caused by immune senescence to pathogenesis require further investigation. Delayed clinical recognition of illness may contribute to poor outcome. Skin and soft-tissue infections and bacteremia with no identified focus are common manifestations of infection in elderly adults and younger nonpregnant adults. Urinary tract infection and pneumonia are presentations more often encountered in elderly persons than in younger adults. The safety and immunogenicity of GBS serotype V-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in healthy elderly persons suggest the potential for vaccination as an approach to prevention of invasive GBS infections in elderly persons.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Invasive group A Streptococcal infections at Chulalongkorn University Hospital.

To determine whether the incidence and pattern of group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections in Thailand have paralleled those in the United States and Europe, we conducted a retrospective study of invasive GAS infections at Chulalongkorn University Hospital from 1995 to 1999. A total of 42 cases were identified. There were 18 males and 24 females (median age of 59 and 46 years, respectively). Most patients were in two age groups: 20-39 (33%) and 60-79 (38%). Underlying conditions were present in 34 patients (81%), including mostly chronic system diseases (50%), alcohol abuse (19%), diabetes mellitus (14%), connective tissue diseases (12%), immunosuppressive illnesses (12%), and human immunodeficiency virus infection (10%). The most common clinical presentations were skin and soft-tissue infections (31%), primary bacteremia (29%), and arthritis (14%). Of these, 24 (57%) presented with toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Overall mortality rate was 33 per cent. All GAS but one isolate were susceptible to penicillin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Six day antimicrobial therapy for early-onset group B streptococcal infection in near-term and term neonates.

Antibiotics for the treatment of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection are usually given for 7-10 d. The aim of this prospective investigation was to study whether antibiotic treatment for 6 d is sufficient to treat early-onset GBS infection in term and near-term neonates. During a 2 y period 67 neonates of GBS-positive mothers developed GBS infection and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. All neonates showed clinical signs of infection, C-reactive protein levels > 20 mg/l and/or elevated immature to total neutrophil ratio > 0.25. Two groups were differentiated: 10 neonates with proven sepsis with GBS-positive blood cultures (15%) and 57 neonates with presumed GBS infection with negative blood cultures but with GBS-positive surface swab cultures of ear (68%), nasopharyngeal (21%) or gastric aspirate (16%). All patients were GBS positive in 1 or more cultures. Antimicrobial therapy with ampicillin and cefotaxime was discontinued after 6 d. At that time all neonates were asymptomatic and laboratory results were normal. No relapse or death within 4 weeks after therapy was detected. In conclusion, antibiotic therapy for 6 d was sufficient to treat 10 neonates with proven and 57 neonates with presumed early-onset GBS infection. Owing to the small sample size, further studies are needed to show significant differences to longer therapy regimens.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1992

Outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal infections in a nursing home. Lessons on prevention and control.

OBJECTIVE: Nine outbreaks of group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in nursing homes were reported to the Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, Ga) during the past two winters. We conducted an intensive epidemiologic and laboratory investigation of one of these outbreaks to determine clinical characteristics, risk factors for transmission and infection, and methods of control and prevention. METHODS: Cases were detected using cultures and serologic tests. Matched case-control and retrospective cohort studies were performed to determine risk factors for infection. RESULTS: Between December 13, 1989, and January 31, 1990, 16 (20%) of 80 residents, and three (7%) of 45 staff, were infected with GAS. Eleven of the residents had invasive disease and four died. Isolates were available from four persons; all were serotype M-1, T-1. There was strong spatial clustering of cases within the nursing home; having a roommate with prior infection was the most important risk factor. Residents with preexisting decubiti had a reduced risk of infection, perhaps because of stricter infection control practices in their care. No evidence was found for common-source transmission of infection. No further cases occurred after improvement of infection control practices and administration of prophylactic antimicrobials to all residents and staff. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive GAS disease is increasing nationwide, and is a potentially serious problem in the growing and high-risk setting of nursing homes. These data suggest that, in this outbreak, a virulent GAS strain was introduced, with subsequent person-to-person transmission. Adherence to infection control practices can prevent or control GAS outbreaks. Prophylactic antimicrobials may be an effective adjunct to control severe or ongoing outbreaks.

Aged↗