Group A streptococcal infections in obstetrics and gynecology

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Dec;55(4):864-74. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e31827362fc.

Abstract

Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections continue to be an infrequent, but potentially lethal infections in women despite the victory over childbed fever in the 1800s. Invasive group A streptococcal infection still causes 40% of septic deaths among patients with postpartum endometritis, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic shock syndrome. Many times symptoms and signs of this infection are nonspecific, but laboratory evaluation can suggest serious infection. The prudent combination of antibiotic and surgical therapy can be lifesaving.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cellulitis / diagnosis
  • Cellulitis / microbiology
  • Cellulitis / therapy
  • Endometritis / microbiology
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / microbiology
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Puerperal Infection / microbiology*
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Septic / microbiology
  • Shock, Septic / therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / therapy
  • Streptococcus pyogenes* / metabolism
  • Streptococcus pyogenes* / pathogenicity
  • Surgical Wound Infection / complications
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology*
  • Vagina / microbiology
  • Virulence Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Virulence Factors