A maternal-neonatal outbreak of infections due to an unusual group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Abstract

An outbreak of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections involving three parturients, three newborns, and a nursery RN is reported. Six of six organisms available for serotyping were M-untypable, T-11, serum opacity reaction-negative. Propagation of the outbreak may have been fostered by the common use of a single sitz bath, although the evidence to support this is weak. The outbreak was rapidly controlled via strict cohorting, appropriate treatment and isolation of cases, and the routine use of triple dye for umbilical cord care.