DIAGNOSIS OF GROUP-A STREPTOCOCCAL NECROTIZING FASCIITIS BY USING PCRTO AMPLIFY THE STREPTOCOCCAL PYROGENIC EXOTOXIN-B GENE

This study evaluated a PCR assay for detection of the streptococcal py rogenic exotoxin B (speB) gene from tissue biopsy specimens of patient s with necrotizing fasciitis. speB was detected in specimens from all 10 patients with necrotizing fasciitis due to group A streptococcus. T he assay was negative for all 11 patients without culture or serologic evidence of streptococcal infection. These results suggest that the d etection of speB by PCR may be useful for confirming group A streptoco ccal infection when cultures are negative or not available.