Fatal group B streptococcal empyema in an adult.

We have reviewed the literature on group B streptococcal empyema in adults and presented an additional case. During the early antibiotic era, this rare infection was described only in women after parturition. Diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance was present in our patient and in all of the described cases of nonparturient adults. Mortality from this infection was high. The condition differs from classic beta-hemolytic streptococcal (group A) pneumonia and empyema in its predilection for older, more chronically ill persons and in its more frequent nosocomial occurrence.