Virulent Streptococcus pyogenes: outbreak and spread within a geriatric unit.

An outbreak of infection due to Streptococcus pyogenes occurred in a geriatric rehabilitation unit between February and September 1981, affecting 10 patients and two staff. The severity of the illness ranged from asymptomatic throat carriage, through skin and soft-tissue sepsis, to fulminant septicaemia and necrotising fasciitis: two patients died of their infection. Streptococcus pyogenes infection may present in a variety of ways, and may be dangerous. Recently developed serological tests have been found useful in the surveillance of an outbreak. Although Streptococcus pyogenes is sensitive to penicillin and other antibiotics, good ward hygiene is still essential for controlling such an outbreak in an institution.