Group A Streptococcus (GAS) empyema, though rare in adults, poses serious clinical challenges. We present two cases of GAS-induced right empyema in immunocompetent patients. Case 1 involved a 45-year-old female Chinese healthcare worker with persistent pleural effusion despite antibiotic therapy. GAS was isolated from her sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage, necessitating a treatment shift to clindamycin and co-amoxiclav. Case 2 featured a 55-year-old Filipino domestic helper exhibiting right lower chest consolidation and effusion. Thoracocentesis confirmed empyema, prompting intrapleural fibrinolytic administration. Both cases highlight the diagnostic complexity and therapeutic intricacies of adult GAS empyema, underscoring the importance of early recognition and tailored management strategies for optimal patient outcomes.
Keywords: clindamycin; empyema; group a streptococcus; pleural infection; streptococcus pyogenes.
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