From the Guidelines
Group C Streptococcus (Strep) infection is a type of bacterial infection caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci that can lead to acute pharyngitis, among other conditions, and is typically treated with antimicrobial therapy to mitigate the clinical course of the infection. According to the American Heart Association, Group C streptococci are a relatively common cause of acute pharyngitis among certain populations, such as college students and adults seeking emergency department treatment 1. The clinical features of Group C streptococcal pharyngitis are similar to those of Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. However, unlike GAS pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever has not been described as a complication of Group C streptococcal pharyngitis 1. Some key points about Group C Streptococcus infection include:
- It can cause acute pharyngitis with clinical features similar to those of GAS pharyngitis
- It is a relatively common cause of acute pharyngitis among certain populations
- Acute rheumatic fever is not a complication of Group C streptococcal pharyngitis
- Antimicrobial therapy may be initiated to mitigate the clinical course of the infection, although there is currently no convincing evidence from controlled studies of clinical response to antimicrobial therapy in patients with acute pharyngitis and Group C streptococcus isolated from their pharynx 1. The primary reason to identify Group C streptococcus as the cause of acute pharyngitis is to initiate antimicrobial therapy, which may help alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications, despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in this specific context 1.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Group C Streptococcus Infection
- Group C Streptococcus (Strep) infection is caused by a type of bacteria known as Lancefield group C streptococci 2.
- This bacterium is a hemolytic organism that can act as an opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen, meaning it can cause infection in people with weakened immune systems or in hospitals 2.
- Group C streptococcal infections can manifest in various forms, including puerperal sepsis, pleuropulmonary infections, skin and soft-tissue infections, central nervous system infections, endocarditis, urinary tract infections, and pharyngeal infections 2.
Risk Factors and Transmission
- Significant risk factors for group C streptococcal infection include chronic cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes, malignancy, and alcoholism, with a predominantly male population affected 2.
- Nosocomial acquisition of infection, where the infection is acquired in a hospital setting, was observed in 26% of cases 2.
- Group C streptococcal infections can be transmitted from person to person, but some species, such as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, can be transmitted through animal contact or contaminated food products 3.
Clinical Presentation and Treatment
- The clinical presentation of group C streptococcal infection can vary widely, depending on the site and severity of the infection 2, 3.
- Treatment of group C streptococcal infections typically involves the use of antibiotics, such as penicillin, although resistance to certain antibiotics has been reported 2, 3.
- In some cases, combination therapy with a cell-wall-acting agent and an aminoglycoside may be recommended for serious infections, including endocarditis, meningitis, septic arthritis, or bacteremia in neutropenic hosts 2.