Abstract

GROUP G Streptococcus has been cited with increasing frequency as an agent of significant infection. Local group G infections such as pharyngitis, cellulitis, and erysipelas have been reported, reflecting the normal existence of group G streptococci in the oropharynx and on the skin. Systemic diseases attributable to group G streptococci include septic arthritis, endocarditis, and bacteremia. Where a source of infection could be identified, the mouth and upper respiratory tract were implicated by pharyngitis, dental extractions, aspiration pneumonia, and head and neck surgery. Thus it seems that group G Streptococcus has taken its place as a pathogen among other endogenous streptococci, particularly in immunocompromised or chronically ill patients.Group G colonization in neonates has been documented as more frequent than group B colonization.9 Although not established by culture, the source is presumably the mothers genitourinary tract. Group G streptococci have been cultured as part of the normal flora of the vagina and gastrointestinal tract.10 Whereas group G streptococcal neonatal septicemia is relatively mild in healthy infants, those with underlying disease may have significant illness.Over a two-month period four cases of group G streptococcal bacteremia were identified by our laboratory. Review of the clinical records showed that three fit into the well documented patient profiles mentioned. The fourth patient presented an interesting exception.