IDENTIFICATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS-PORCINUS FROM HUMAN SOURCES

Streptococcus porcinus is normally associated with infections in swine . Cultures of this streptococcal species are rarefy reported from huma n infections. In the past 10 years, we have identified 13 cultures of S. porcinus from human sources from persons living in the United State s and Canada. Seven of the strains were identified in the past 15 mont hs. Nine of the strains were of a single serogroup, provisionally call ed C1. In addition, nine of the strains were isolated from the genitou rinary tract of reproductive-age female patients, some with delivery p roblems. S. porcinus strains could he identified by hemolytic, serolog ic, and physiologic characteristics. All strains were susceptible to p enicillin, erythromycin, and other antimicrobial agents. Fifty-four pe rcent of the strains were resistant to tetracycline. These findings su ggest that we may be seeing a change in the flora of the genitourinary tract of humans. Whether these isolates are significant pathogens is unknown at this time.