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Erysipelas and group G streptococci

Streptokokken der Gruppe G und Erysipel

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Summary

In a prospective study, 73 patients with erysipelas were studied bacteriologically, serologically and clinically. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 41% of the patients. Group G streptococci (GGS) were found as frequently as group A streptococci (GAS), in 12.5% and 15% of patients, respectively.Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 10%, and streptococci groups B, C and D were isolated from one case each. Raised ASO titres were found among patients with GAS and GGS, while a rise in ADNase B titre was found only in patients with GAS. Patients with GGS tended to be older than other patients. Otherwise no clinical differences were noticed. The infection was located to the lower extremity in 68%. Predisposing factors were observed in 44% of the patients, predominantly local circulatory insufficiency and malignancies. In 55% a possible portal of entry was present. GGS seems to be a common cause of erysipelas, especially among patients older than 50 years.

Zusammenfassung

In einer prospektiven Studie wurden 73 Patienten mit Erysipel bakteriologisch, serologisch und klinisch untersucht. Von 41% der Patienten wurden pathogene Bakterien isoliert. Streptokokken der Gruppe G fanden sich bei 12,5% und Streptokokken der Gruppe A bei 15% der Patienten. Bei 10% der Patienten ließ sichStaphylococcus aureus nachweisen, bei je einem Patienten Streptokokken der Gruppen B, C und D. Patienten, von denen Streptokokken der Gruppen A und G isoliert wurden, hatten erhöhte ASO-Titer; eine ADNase B-Titer-Erhöhung fand sich nur bei Patienten mit Streptokokken der Gruppe A. Streptokokken der Gruppe G traten eher bei älteren Patienten auf. Klinische Unterschiede wurden nicht festgestellt. Bei 68% der Fälle war die Infektion an einer unteren Extremität lokalisiert. Prädisponierende Faktoren bestanden bei 44% der Patienten, vor allem lokale Kreislauf-Insuffizienz und Malignome. In 55% der Fälle fand sich eine für die Infektion in Frage kommende Erregereintrittspforte. Vor allem bei Patienten über 50 Jahre sind offensichtlich nicht selten Streptokokken der Gruppe G ursächlich an der Entstehung eines Erysipels beteiligt.

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Hugo-Persson, M., Norlin, K. Erysipelas and group G streptococci. Infection 15, 184–187 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01646044

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