Tissue infections caused by group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus in a Regional Chilean Hospital

Background: A resurgence of group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus infections such as fasciitis, and Streptococcal Toxic Syndrome has been observed rece ntly. Aim: To study the clinical features of patients with group A beta hem olytic Streptococcus infections in a regional hospital. Patients and method s: Retrospective review of medical records of patients notified as having a group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus infections in a regional hospital . P atients and methods: Retrospective review of medical records of patients no tified as having a group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus tissue infection, b etween 1994 and 1999. Results: twenty-four patients were notified in the pe riod as having a group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus infection and 18 (13 male, mean age 39 years old) had tissue involvement. Eleven patients had a fasciitis (61%), six had a cellulitis (33%) and 14 patients (77%), a Strept ococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome. Eight patients died during hospital stay. The infection portal of entry was identify in 13 patients (the skin in 10 and intramuscular injections in three). Decreased patients had a longer lapse o f disease before admission than patients discharger alive (5(range 3b-7 day s) and 2.1 (range 6b-5 days) respectively). In seven patients a quick serol ogical test, designed for pharyngeal infections was performed and it was po sitive in five. Blood cultures were positive in seven patients and in 11, t he germ was isolated from the lesions. Conclusions: As the early diagnosis of group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus tissue infections has a prognostic value, the population should be instructed to recognize early signs and sym ptoms of these infections.