Streptococci--are they different in New Zealand?

Rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis resulting from group A streptococcal infection are important childhood illnesses in New Zealand particularly in certain geographical areas. A study of streptococcal serotypes occurring in infections during a three year period, May 1979-May 1982, has shown that many serotypes with well documented disease-association occur amongst New Zealand isolates. During the period of study disease-association of specific serotypes was demonstrated. Serotypes unique to New Zealand were not major contributors to disease patterns.