Group a Streptococcal Carriage among Residents of an Urban Homeless Shelter

Gordon Jm Bargh,Allison Mcgeer,Jeffrey S Hoch,Mark Speechley,Stephen W Hwang,Barbara M Willey

doi:10.1155/2007/629312

Abstract

Group a Streptococcal Carriage among Residents of an Urban Homeless Shelter

Highlights

Residents of homeless shelters may represent a population at increased risk of GAS carriage and infection
In March 2000, nose, throat and skin swab specimens were obtained from a convenience sample of consecutive consenting shelter residents who presented at the shelter medical clinic with skin lesions
Of the nine residents tested, three had GAS isolated from skin lesions, and one had GAS isolated from both throat and nose swabs

Summary

Introduction

Residents of homeless shelters may represent a population at increased risk of GAS carriage and infection. Seven of 15 infections due to M nontypeable T type 5/27/44 Streptococcus pyogenes in Ontario between 1992 and 1995 occurred in a 12-month period in men who were either homeless or had addresses in census tracts proximate to the shelter; five of seven men were known to abuse alcohol and/or use intravenous drugs, suggesting circulation of a clone. In March 2000, nose, throat and skin swab specimens were obtained from a convenience sample of consecutive consenting shelter residents who presented at the shelter medical clinic with skin lesions.

Results

Conclusion