Ecology of 350 isolates of group F Streptococcus.

The ecology of 350 strains of group F streptococci isolated from clinical material over a six-year period is described. The respiratory tract, particularly the throat, yielded the largest number of isolates. Wound swabs, mainly appendectomy, ranked second as a source of this organism, followed closely by the genitourinary tract. A significant proportion of strains was recovered from gastrointestinal sites. Dental abscess yielded several strains, often in pure culture, and the external auditory canal was identified as minor locale of the group F streptococcus. A few isolates were also obtained from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and miscellaneous tissues.