A cluster of surgical wound infections due to unrelated strains of group A streptococci

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1993 May;14(5):265-7. doi: 10.1086/646732.

Abstract

Group A streptococci account for less than 1% of all surgical wound infections but are an important cause of nosocomial outbreaks. We report here a cluster of four group A streptococcal infections that occurred within an 11-day period on a single surgical service. The index case presented with toxic shock-like syndrome. Epidemiologic investigation did not identify any relationship between infections. Restriction endonuclease analysis and M and T typing found the four isolates to be unrelated. Restriction endonuclease analysis is a useful tool for determining relatedness of nosocomial isolates of group A streptococci.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Restriction Mapping
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / epidemiology*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology