Beta-hemolytic Streptococcal Infection Research Articles

Serological responses to target Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine antigens in patients with proven invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections.

Rising incidence of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal (iBHS) infections has prompted consideration of vaccination as a preventative strategy for at-risk populations. The benefits of a vaccine targeting Lancefield group A (Streptococcus pyogenes; Strep A) would increase if cross-species immunity against Lancefield groups C/G (Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis; SDSE) and B (Streptococcus agalactiae; GBS) was demonstrated. A prospective, observational study of adult patients with iBHS infections due to Strep A, SDSE or GBS. Antibody responses to six Strep A candidate antigens were assayed on acute and convalescent sera. A serological response was defined as an increase of >0.2log10 arbitrary units/mL (AU/mL). Sixty-seven participants were enrolled. Thirty-three participants were included in the final analysis (12, 11 and 10 with Strep A, SDSE and GBS, respectively). The median serological response for participants with Strep A was significant for all tested antigens (median >0.2log10 difference between acute and convalescent samples; P<0.05 for all). Those with SDSE had comparable and significant median (IQR) responses to streptolysin-O (0.65 [0.36-1.67], P=0.004), S. pyogenes adhesion and division protein (0.68 [0.36-1.63], P=0.005) and C5a peptidase (ScpA; 0.30 [0.23-1.06]), P=0.004). GBS responses were limited to ScpA only (0.34 [0.08-0.52], P=0.05). Patients with invasive Strep A infection mount robust antibody responses to six non-M protein vaccine candidate antigens. Similar significant responses to C5a peptidase in those with invasive SDSE and GBS infection highlight the importance of further research into cross-species protection and immunological correlates of vaccine efficacy.

Differences in the clinical presentation of necrotizing fasciitis depending on the causative pathogen.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a fatal, soft tissue infection of the skin that requires prompt treatment. Historically, most cases have been attributed to group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection. However, in recent years, other bacteria have been identified as causing necrotizing fasciitis. In the current study, we analyzed cases of necrotizing fasciitis and examined the significant differences in symptoms caused by pathogenic bacteria. We included 79 patients (43 males and 36 females, mean age 65.4 years) diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis who visited our hospital between April 2004 and July 2023. The patients were classified into five groups based on the identified pathogen: group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus; group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus; group G beta-hemolytic Streptococcus; mixed infection, including anaerobic bacteria; and Staphylococcus (S) aureus. The clinical characteristics of patients, including treatment duration and laboratory values, were analyzed. Group G beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was more common in older patients (Bonferroni method, p < 0.05). Patients with S. aureus tended to be hyperglycemic (Bonferroni method, p < 0.05), had a higher rate of bacteremia (Fisher's direct probability test, p < 0.05), and had a longer treatment duration than the other examined groups (Bonferroni method, p = 0.0132). Although the five groups did not differ in the mortality rate, overall survival was shorter in the mixed infection group than in the other groups (log-rank test, p < 0.05). The legs were the most common site of infection in the non-mixed infection group; in the mixed infection group, the pubic area was identified as the most common site of infection, accompanied by a poor prognosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that necrotizing fasciitis can be characterized by pathogenic bacteria and that these characteristics may inversely predict the pathogen of origin.

#2864 IgA dominant post-infectious glomerulonephritis secondary to the infected left ankle joint in a non-diabetic patient, a case report

Abstract Introduction Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is an immune complex glomerulonephritis that commonly affects children and young adults following beta haemolytic Streptococcal throat or skin infections. Kidney biopsy is characterised by Segmental or global endocapillary hypercellularity, and crescents may be present. In immunofluorescence, post-infectious glomerulonephritis typically shows IgG and C3 deposition. A rare type of PIGN is IgA-dominant post-infection glomerulonephritis. It commonly occurs in the setting of active infection. It usually presents in patients &amp;gt; 60 years old with diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, and Staphylococcal infections. It can present with RPGN, AKI, and nephrotic syndrome. Hypocomplementemia can be present, and immunofluorescence is characterised by IgA dominance with C3 co-dominance and no IgG. Despite the strong association with Staph aureus, however, it has been reported with other types of infections. The main line of treatment is antibiotic eradication of the infection. Steroids can be used based on the severity of the lesion and the presence of crescents. Its prognosis is worse than that of the traditional PIGN. In this case, we report a case of IgA-dominant post-infectious glomerulonephritis secondary to left ankle osteomyelitis with Staph aureus infection. Case Presentation A 65-year-old lady had open reduction and internal fixation of a left trimalleolar ankle fracture in June 2023 at a district general hospital. Unfortunately, the post-operative course was complicated by wound infection. The wound swab showed Heavy growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This was followed by Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) stage 3; therefore, she was transferred from her hospital to our renal ward. On admission to the ward, her creatinine was 388 μmol/L(baseline creatinine was 73 μmol/L one month before admission), urine dipstick was positive for blood and protein, and urine protein creatinine ratio was 480 mg/mmol. She had only a medical background of bronchial asthma for which she was only on Inhalers (Beta Agonist) as a regular medication. CT scan of the left ankle revealed appearances consistent with osteomyelitis of both the lateral and medial malleoli. This finding was discussed with microbiology and orthopaedic teams, and the patient was started on intravenous antibiotics (Vancomycin followed by doxycycline). A kidney biopsy was done. Mesangial electron-dense deposits were identified. Immunohistochemistry revealed IgA dominant, predominantly mesangial positivity, with associated C3. The picture was consistent with IgA acute glomerulonephritis associated with S. aureus, which is a post-infectious Glomerulonephritis with dominant IgA staining (rather than conventional IgA nephropathy). With proper intravenous hydration and antibiotics, her inflammatory markers started to improve, and her renal chemistry followed the inflammatory markers, and her last creatinine improved to 146 μmol/L, eGFR 31 ml/min and UPCR was 40 mg/mmol. Discussion IgA-dominant post-infectious glomerulonephritis is now a distinct form of PIGN, which usually presents with acute kidney injury, haematuria, and proteinuria and is typically related to Staph aureus infection. In contrast to typical IgA nephropathy, there is no role for steroid or immunosuppression in the treatment of IgA-dominant post-infectious glomerulonephritis, and the treatment is mainly dependent on the treatment of infection.

Sudan's rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease guidelines: a simplified approach in an endemic country.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable sequelae of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection leading to an immune reaction: acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and progressive heart valve dysfunction. RHD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in Sudan and many low/middle-income countries. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a resolution for RHD mandating that each country adopt updated guidelines for ARF and RHD management. These current guidelines are mainly directed to primary healthcare workers. Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in collaboration with the WHO East Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) assembled a committee for updating RHD guidelines. We conducted a systematic literature search from 2000 to 2022 in National Institute of Health Database (PubMed) under the following titles: streptococcal pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, benzathine penicillin. Best available, evidence-based practices for diagnosis and management of ARF/RHD were selected and adapted to Sudan's situation. The guidelines were critically appraised by the committee then endorsed to the FMOH and WHO EMRO Noncommunicable Disease Departments in January 2023. This paper describes the updated guidelines. Simplified algorithms are provided for diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis including two clinical criteria: sore throat and the absence of viral symptoms in the target age group. A simplified algorithm for diagnosis and management of ARF is adopted using two levels of diagnosis: suspected case at primary level where penicillin prophylaxis is started and secondary/tertiary care where echocardiography is performed and diagnosis confirmed or excluded. Echocardiography screening is recognized as the standard method for early diagnosis of RHD; however, due to the anticipated limitations, its implementation was not adopted at this time. Streptococcal skin infection is included as a precursor of ARF and a detailed protocol for benzathine penicillin administration is described. The Sudan guidelines for ARF/RHD management were updated. Endorsement of these guidelines to FMOH and WHO EMRO is expected to improve control of RHD in the region.

The role of immunity and inflammation in obsessive-compulsive disorder and related conditions

Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential consequences of disruptions in the inflammatory and immune systems on the onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and associated conditions, such as Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) and Tourette syndrome (TS). While this area of inquiry is undeniably captivating, the available data remain somewhat controversial and limited in scope.ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to conduct an exhaustive examination and evaluation of the existing body of literature concerning aberrations in inflammatory and immune system processes within the context of OCD, PANDAS, and TS.MethodsThis narrative review entailed a comprehensive search of English language papers on PubMed and Google Scholar from January 1985 to July 31, 2023.Results The data collected up to this point suggest that the underlying mechanisms at play may differ depending on the age of the patients and the specific disorder being investigated. Notably, PANDAS seems to have a stronger connection with infections that trigger autoimmunity, which may not necessarily be limited to those resulting from Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infections, as previously assumed. In the case of TS, autoimmunity appears to play a significant role, especially when combined with individual susceptibilities stemming from both genetic and environmental factors. As for adult OCD, while the available data are somewhat scattered and occasionally based on relatively small groups of patients, they do indicate that the immune system and inflammatory processes are involved in the disorder’s pathophysiology. However, it remains uncertain whether these processes are primary driving forces or secondary reactions.ConclusionsIn summary, when viewed collectively, the current research findings unveil promising avenues for exploring the underlying causes of OCD and related disorders. They also hold the potential for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches that go beyond the current pharmacological paradigms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS): Myth or Reality? The State of the Art on a Controversial Disease.

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome is one of the most controversial diseases in pediatric rheumatology. Despite first being described more than 25 years ago as the sudden and rapid onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorder symptoms as complications of a Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) infection, precise epidemiological data are still lacking, and there are no strong recommendations for its treatment. Recent advances in the comprehension of PANDAS pathophysiology are largely attributable to animal model studies and the understanding of the roles of Ca++/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) II, disrupted dopamine release in the basal ganglia, and striatal cholinergic interneurons. The diagnosis of PANDAS should be made after an exclusion process and should include prepubescent children with a sudden onset of OCD and/or a tic disorder, with a relapsing/remitting disease course, a clear temporal association between GAS infection and onset or exacerbation of symptoms, and the association with other neurological abnormalities such as motoric hyperactivity and choreiform movements. Antibiotic medications are the primary therapeutic modality. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of randomized studies and validated data, resulting in a scarcity of solid recommendations.

Frequency of Familial Mediterranean Fever Gene Mutation in Patients Presenting With Joint Pain and Diagnosed With Acute Rheumatic Fever.

Introduction Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a non-suppurative systemic inflammatory disease that manifests 1-5 weeks following a Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. On the other hand, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease characterized as an autosomal recessive disease, with affected individuals having pathogenic mutations in the Mediterranean fever gene(MEFV)gene located on the short arm of chromosome 16. FMF and ARF have overlapping symptoms and signs, and both disorders are common in Turkey. In ARF, the target organ is the heart, while in FMF, the target organ is the kidney; both organs can benefit from prophylactic measures. Our study aims to determine the frequency of the FMF gene mutation in patients with ARF in Turkey and detect any overlapping conditions. Method Patients who were diagnosed with a first-attack ARF between May 2015 and May 2018 were retrospectively screened. Patients who underwent MEFV gene analysis considering FMF in the differential diagnosis were included in the study. Results In this study, no statistical difference was found between the presence of MEFV gene mutations, carditis, high anti-streptolysin-O antibody (ASO) levels, and the groups with monoarthritis, polyarthritis, and polyarthralgia (p >0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, patients with ARF should be evaluated for FMF to avoid irreversible complications.

Invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections, Finland, 2006 to 2020: increase in Lancefield group C/G infections.

BackgroundInvasive infections with beta-haemolytic streptococci of Lancefield groups A (iGAS), B (iGBS) and C/G (iGCGS) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.AimWe studied incidence trends of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections in Finland, focusing on iGCGS.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective register-based study. Cases were defined as isolations from blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid and retrieved from the National Infectious Disease Register where all invasive cases are mandatorily notified.ResultsBetween 2006 and 2020, the mean annual incidence was 4.1 per 100,000 for iGAS (range: 2.1-6.7), 5.2 for iGBS (4.0-6.3) and 10.1 for iGCGS (5.4-17.6). The incidence displayed an increasing trend for all groups, albeit for iGBS only for individuals 45 years and older. The increase was particularly sharp for iGCGS (8% annual relative increase). The incidence rate was higher in males for iGCGS (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-1.8) and iGAS (adjusted IRR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.4); for iGBS, the association with sex was age-dependent. In adults, iGCGS incidence increased significantly with age. Recurrency was seen for iGCGS and secondarily iGBS, but not for iGAS. Infections with iGCGS and iGBS peaked in July and August.ConclusionsThe incidence of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections in Finland has been rising since 2006, especially for iGCGS and among the elderly population. However, national surveillance still focuses on iGAS and iGBS, and European Union-wide surveillance is lacking. We recommend that surveillance of iGCGS be enhanced, including systematic collection and typing of isolates, to guide infection prevention strategies.

Role of penicillin in the management of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis. GABHS is more commonly seen in the pediatric age group than in adults. The disease responds to antibiotics. Untreated GABHS leads to non-suppurative and suppurative complications. Penicillin is the drug of choice recommended by most guidelines. Most GABHS isolates are sensitive to penicillin including penicillin G. Penicillins play a very important role in preventing transmission rates of GABHS, resolution of symptoms, and prevention of GABHS complications. Intramuscular penicillin G benzathine is one of the treatment options for GABHS. Penicillin G potassium is a natural penicillin, with a narrow spectrum of activity, as is required for GABHS. This review aims to understand the role of penicillins in the treatment of GABHS and its complications.

Invasive Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal (iGAS) Infections: Is There a Public Health Threat?

Invasive Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal (iGAS) Infections: Is There a Public Health Threat?

Limiting the role of antibiotics in children with adenotosilitis

Background In the past, group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus infection consequences were the main goal of empirical antibiotic therapy of sore throat. Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial due to the threats posed by multi-resistant pathogens. The aim of this study : was to investigate the possibility of limiting the role of antibiotic in children with adenotosilitis Methods: This hospital-based, randomised, prospective research involved 120 child who visited OPD of both Pediatrics and Otorhinolaryngology departments, pesented with adenotonsillitis were enrolled . All cases met the eligibility requirements were randomly assigned to two groups: 60 cases in Group A got systemic antibiotics. Group B 60 cases received symptomatic treatment with immune modulator, vit D 2000-5000 IU orally once daily. The cases were selected through 2 months from February 2022 to April 2022. Age :2 years to 9 years. In younger children less than 3 years, dysphagia was expressed by the mothers as difficult swallowing and crying during feeding with drolling of saliva. Results: Regarding baseline symptoms and indicators and after three days, there was no discernible difference between groups A and B. However, after six days of therapy, group B considerably outperformed group A in terms of absent sore throat, dysphagia, and tonsillar hypertrophy.

Echocardiographic surveillance of rheumatic heart disease in West and North Darfur compared with Kassala State: socioeconomic or genetic differences?

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a preventable complication of group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection, is highly prevalent in Sudan. Echocardiographic (echo) screening has an established role in disease surveillance. This study aims to measure the echo prevalence of RHD using handheld echo (HHE) in West and North Darfur and Kassala states and initiate control programs. School children 10-18 years of age were selected from the three states and HHE screening was performed by trained paediatric residents supervised by cardiologists using a pre-tested protocol. Health worker training and public awareness sessions were carried out. The study was conducted between November 2020 and December 2021. In West Darfur, 1,547 children were screened, echo prevalence was found to be 17.4/1,000, and 22% had moderate to severe disease. In North Darfur, 800 children were screened and echo prevalence was 16.2/1,000, 23% had moderate to severe disease while in Kasala 2,225 children were screened and the prevalence was 3.1/1,000 and all cases were mild. One hundred and fifty-eight health workers were trained and 20,150 people benefited from health education sessions. The prevalence of RHD in Darfur is 5 times more than in Kassala. This may reflect socioeconomic and genetic differences between the two regions. RHD control in Darfur needs to be consolidated, and echo surveillance is an important tool for early detection and the institution of secondary prophylaxis.

Correlation between McIssac Score and Throat Swab Culture in Patient Presenting with Acute Tonsillitis

Introduction: Tonsillitis is inflammation of tonsils which is characterized by various signs and symptoms with sore throat being the most consistent symptom. The condition is mostly caused by bacterial infection with Streptococci being the most common bacteria. McIssac scoring technique is clinical symptoms based scoring method designed for diagnosing streptococcal tonsillitis. Aims: To find out the association between McIssac Score and beta hemolytic streptococcal infection in acute tonsillitis. Methods: This hospital based, prospective study was carried out in the Department of ENT, Nepalgunj Medical College from July 2020 to June 2021. Patients were scored as per McIssac score. The specimens were collected from the tonsillar surface using sterile cotton swabs and subjected for culture and sensitivity. Results:The most common affected age group was 21 to 30 years (46%). Females were affected more commonly (57%). The most common organism isolated in the study was Group A beta hemolyticn Streptococcus (48%), followed by Pseudomonas (10%), Enterococcus (9%) and Klebsiella (8%) and no organisms were isolated in 25% of the patients. It was observed that high McIssac score was associated with higher chance of having positive beta hemolytic streptococcal infection. Out of 48 group A beta hemolytic streptococci culture positive patients 18(37.5%) patients scored 3, 9 (18.75%) patients scored 4 and 7(14.5%) patients scored 5.The most common antibiotic effective against group A beta hemolytic srtreptococci was ceftriaxone in 25(72.9%), followed by amoxyclavulinic acid in 20 isolates (41.6%) and amikacin in seventeen (35.4%) isolates. Conclusion: The correlation between throat swab culture and McIssac score emphasized that this clinical scoring system aid in early diagnosis of group A beta hemolytic streptococci tonsillitis.

P25 Early onset congenital sarcoidosis: Challenges in the management of recurrent severe bilateral uveitis and inflammatory arthritis

Abstract Case report - Introduction We report a rare case of 20-year-old male diagnosed with congenital sarcoidosis (Blau Syndrome) presenting with a triad of skin rash, arthritis and bilateral uveitis. He has had recurrent flares of sight-threatening bilateral uveitis, as well as persistent arthritis, which has continued despite treatment with multiple immunosuppressive agents and corticosteroids. The best control has been achieved with combination of methotrexate and infliximab which he has returned to; however, complications of frequent infections has necessitated breaks in treatment. Case report - Case description A 4-year-old male presented with inflammatory skin rash which was biopsied and diagnosed as sarcoid lesion. He developed bilateral blurring of vision and diagnosed with uveitis, which was treated with topical and oral steroids. He then experienced multiple joint pains with synovitis. His father had been diagnosed from a young age with sarcoidosis. Other possible causes were ruled out. From early childhood, our patient was treated with methotrexate, then methotrexate and azathioprine for recurrent uveitis, but required long-term oral prednisolone. He started infliximab with methotrexate in adolescence with good response and weaned his steroids. However, uveitis flared when infliximab was stopped for appendicectomy, requiring rescue with oral and intraocular steroids. Further flares with cystoid macular oedema secondary to sarcoid uveitis and arthritis flares required high-dose steroids, contributing to iatrogenic cushingoid syndrome. Beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection led to guttate psoriasis, after which he had more persistent polyarticular inflammation and tenosynovitis. Antibodies were detected against infliximab although clinically uveitis continued to respond. Adalimumab caused site injection reactions. MDT discussions recommenced higher dose infliximab. Long-standing nausea after methotrexate, oral or subcutaneous, despite folic acid and anti-emetics, became intolerable. Transfer of care to another rheumatology centre focused on trying to control his arthritis. Leflunomide and then mycophenolate-mofetil replaced methotrexate. Infliximab was then switched to tofacitinib (developed severe headache) and then baricitinib. Joint symptoms improved on baricitinib, and nausea reduced with mycophenolate; however, his uveitis flared severely again requiring further high-dose oral and intraocular steroid rescue. Further MDT and patient discussion resulted in restarting methotrexate 20mg weekly (enduring nausea) and infliximab 5mg/kg monthly. Uveitis settled and arthritis control remained stable over the last 12 months with reduction in prednisolone to 5mg daily. Recurrent infections with recent pilonidal sinus continue to cause treatment interruptions. Case report - Discussion Sarcoidosis is a chronic, idiopathic multisystem, granulomatous disorder rarely occurring in children. Early onset sarcoidosis/Blau syndrome (familial) is distinct, presenting in children around age 4 years and characterised by the triad of skin, joint and eye manifestations without the pulmonary involvement seen in adults. Children with Blau syndrome can develop severe complications such as blindness, growth retardation, heart involvement, renal failure and death. Our patient was diagnosed with Blau syndrome based on the symptom triad and NOD2 gene mutation positive. He had recurrent flares of severe uveitis and difficult to manage joint disease involving his wrists/hands, shoulders, knees, ankles with tenosynovitis. He required shoulder decompression, knee-meniscal surgery and plastic-surgery to finger tendons. With early treatment he has grown well and preserved visual acuity (6/9 in both eyes), with no other organ involvement. He works full-time. He has suffered from depression and struggled with body image issues, particularly from cushingoid changes. Difficult patient choices balanced medication side effects and control of eye/joint inflammation. He endures nausea after weekly methotrexate and some ongoing joint symptoms to enable his uveitis-responsive treatment to be prioritised. Recurrent infections interrupted use of the most efficacious immunosuppressive therapy (infliximab and methotrexate). Jak Inhibitors provided some benefit for joint symptoms but did not control his uveitis. Different mechanisms seem to be important in the perpetuation of his uveitis and arthritis given the differential responses to treatment. Other treatment options such as anti-IL1 therapy were considered; however, limited data for eye inflammation results in patient continuing on his current therapy. Multi-disciplinary care/co-ordination is essential in managing this complex, rare condition to balance optimisation of his medications to treat his most organ threatening and debilitating symptoms. Genetic studies have enabled confirmation of the familial basis of his condition and autosomal dominant inheritance risk. Case report - Key learning points

Prevalence of Group B Streptococcal Infection in Pregnant Women and Preterm Infants in Shahid Sayad Shirazi Hospital, Gorgan, Iran, in 2019

Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) was identified as the leading cause of neonatal septic factor and a major factor in female genital infections. The studies on the prevalence of GBS and PROM or preterm labor are limited. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the prevalence of GBS in preterm infants and their mothers who gave birth in Shahid Sayyad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This investigation is a retrospective study conducted in Shahid Sayyad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan, Iran in 2019-20. The studied population included preterm infants and their mothers. Patients filled out a questionnaire for demographic data, midwifery background, and history of diseases. After filling out the questionnaires about demographic data and midwifery status, the blood, vaginal and rectal culture was done for them. Results: The number of mothers in this study was 103. 112 babies were born. Of the total population, 78 (75.73%) were urban residents and 25 (24.27%) were rural residents. There were 88 cases (85.44%) of betamethasone use. Preeclampsia (29.13%), and breech position (22.33%) were the most common cause of termination of pregnancy. Urine and blood cultures of all mothers were negative. The majority of rectal cultures are E.coli (68.93%). Conclusion: In our study, urine culture and blood culture of all mothers were negative. In mothers, the majority of rectal cultures were E.coli and the highest results of vaginal cultures were MIX. Among infants, most cultures due to staph epidermis were positive in blood, eye and urine cultures. In other words, in our study of cultures in mothers and infants, there was no evidence of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection.

Isolated Acute Rheumatic Pancreatitis—A Case Report

Aim: To emphasize the role of antibiotics in acute pancreatitis as prophylactic and therapeutic benefits. Case Report: A 32-year-old obese male was admitted with acute abdomen in the emergency room. He was supported with intravenous fluids and the blood chemistry revealed elevated amylase and lipase levels, raised ESR and a positive ASO titer test. CT abdomen suggested interstitial edematous pancreatitis (IEP) and no fluid collection. Patient was treated with IV cefotaxime and IV metronidazole, his condition remarkably improved with therapy, blood parameters returned normal at the end of 4 weeks, and follow-up CT revealed no abnormal findings and symptom free thereafter. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis is usually a sterile inflammatory process caused by chemical autodigestion of pancreas. The edematous form of acute pancreatitis needs to correct its etiological factor to avoid recurrence. It is observed as an initial manifestation of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection in this patient and antibiotics play a role as curative and prophylactic in selected cases.

Identification of Altered Serum Proteins in Rheumatic Heart Diseases through Mitral Stenosis and the Potential Clinical Implications

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) results from group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngeal infection is an autoimmune sequela of acute or recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). This study is focused on identifying heart tissue-specific proteins implicated in the secondary immunopathogenesis of RHD. Methods: Sera from 49 RHD patients and 32 controls were probed in 2DE to study the differential expression of proteins. After 2DE, the spots were analyzed and identified using ESI-MS. A total of 1082 protein spots were detected in RHD patients and controls. Results: Two protein spots were significantly down-regulated (p≤0.01) and 34 protein spots were significantly up-regulated (p≤0.01) compared to controls. The differentially expressed protein spots were trypsin-digested and identified as hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (RHAMM), troponin 1, janus kinase and microtubule interacting protein 1 (Jakmip 1), nuclear ubiquitous casein and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1, basal body-orientation factor 1 and muscle-related coiled-coil protein. A positive correlation was established with the up-regulated and down-regulated expression of these proteins suggests them as potential biomarker for RHD. Conclusion: This study highlights rheumatic mitral stenosis and regurgitation, an active inflammatory process and provides novel information about the proteins thereby elaborates the knowledge of physiology and etiology of this disease.

Characterisation of clinical manifestations and treatment strategies for invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections in a Swiss tertiary hospital.

Invasive streptococcal infections affect more than half a million patients worldwide every year and have a high lethality. Little is known about the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of streptococcal infections in Switzerland. This case series study aims to describe the demographics, known risk factors for streptococcal skin and soft tissue infections, clinical presentations, treatment and outcomes of patients admitted to the University Hospital Zurich between 2000 and 2014 with invasive streptococcal infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus), Streptococcus dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis or the Streptococcus anginosus group, as well as the microbiological characteristics of the clinical isolates. Data collected retrospectively from patients hospitalised between 2000 and 2014 with invasive streptococcal infections were analysed. M protein gene (emm) typing of the bacterial clinical isolates was carried out according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. A total of 86 patients with invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections were included in this study, of which 49% presented with necrotising fasciitis (NF). The median age was 44 years and half were female. The most common risk factor was acute skin lesions. C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with NF, as were acute renal failure and distributive shock. Beta-lactam antibiotics were given to most patients, and intravenous immunoglobulins were given to 18% of patients within the first 24 hours. All patients suffering from NF underwent surgery. The overall case fatality rate was 8.1% at 30 days post admission. All Group A Streptococcus strains were susceptible to penicillin and clindamycin, and we found resistance to tetracycline in 11.9% of strains. The most common emm-type isolated was emm1 (44.4%). Invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections, the most severe presentation of which is NF, remain a serious clinical issue and require rapid diagnosis and treatment. This is the first representative analysis monitoring clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with a severe invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection and treated in Zurich, Switzerland. In addition to the detailed reporting of various clinical and microbiological characteristics, we show that C-reactive protein levels, acute renal failure and distributive shock were higher in the patients with NF. We also found a low case fatality rate compared to other reports. The detailed clinical data and microbiological characteristics depicted in this study will lead to a better understanding of regional differences in severe invasive streptococcal infections.

Sydenham chorea in a12- year old Saudi girl

Sydenham chorea (SC) is the most common acquired cause of chorea in children.(SC) is the neurological manifestation of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is still reported in Saudi Arabia, although less frequently. According to modified Jones criteria, carditis and arthritis are the major manifestations of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in children.SC is often seen in isolated form; however, it can occur in association with other clinical manifestations of ARF like carditis. It has been reported that silent, mild valvular regurgitation has been found in patients with pure chorea.SC is characterized by abnormal body movement, associated with behavioral changes. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs following an infection with Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection that is prevalent in Saudi Arabia.Despite recent advances in child health care services, RF continues to occur in Saudi Arabia. We describe a 12-year-old Saudi girl with SC and clinically inaudible, but echocardiographically significant mild valvular regurgitation.The diagnosis of Sydenham chorea should be considered in young children with choreiform movements. Doppler echocardiography may be useful in detecting silent valvular regurgitation and in deciding the duration of penicillin prophylaxis.

Comparison of Centor and McIsaac scores in primary care: a meta-analysis over multiple thresholds.

BackgroundCentor and McIsaac scores are both used to diagnose group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) infection, but have not been compared through meta-analysis.AimTo compare the performance of Centor and McIsaac scores at diagnosing patients with GABHS presenting to primary care with pharyngitis.Design and settingA meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies conducted in primary care was performed using a novel model that incorporates data at multiple thresholds.MethodMEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published between January 1980 and February 2019. Included studies were: cross-sectional; recruited patients with sore throats from primary care; used the Centor or McIsaac score; had GABHS infection as the target diagnosis; used throat swab culture as the reference standard; and reported 2 × 2 tables across multiple thresholds. Selection and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. QUADAS-2 was used to assess study quality. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were synthesised. Calibration curves were used to assess the transferability of results into practice.ResultsTen studies using the Centor score and eight using the McIsaac score were included. The prevalence of GABHS ranged between 4% and 44%. The areas under the SROC curves for McIsaac and Centor scores were 0.7052 and 0.6888, respectively. The P-value for the difference (0.0164) was 0.419, suggesting the SROC curves for the tests are equivalent. Both scores demonstrated poor calibration.ConclusionBoth Centor and McIsaac scores provide only fair discrimination of those with and without GABHS, and appear broadly equivalent in performance. The poor calibration for a positive test result suggests other point-of-care tests are required to rule in GABHS; however, with both Centor and McIsaac scores, a score of ≤0 may be sufficient to rule out infection.