Non-pharyngeal infections due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis in a tertiary hospital in Argentina over a period of 10 years.

Abstract

Streptococcus dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis (SDSE) is a β-hemolytic streptococcus that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes of humans. According to the Lancefield classification, most of them present the C or G antigens and rarely the A antigen. In recent years, an increase in infections caused by  this microorganism has been reported, mainly in elderly people or those with chronic diseases.

In this review, non-pharyngeal infections caused by SDSE are described in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Argentina between 2013 and 2023. Twelve infections were documented; 58% (7/12) of the patients were male and 42% (5/12) were female; the median (range) age was 63 (9-87) years. Ten (83%) patients presented invasive infections; 5 (42%) with the presence of bacteremia. Eleven (92%) patients had at least one underlying disease and all had at least one risk factor associated with infection. All patients received treatment with a β-lactam antibiotic. In 2 cases of soft tissue cellulitis the association with clindamycin and surgical debridement in one of them  was necessary to resolve the infection. Overall mortality was 8.3% (1/12 patients).