Postoperative group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus outbreak with the pathogen traced to a member of a healthcare worker's household

SM Paul, C Genese, K Spitalny�- Infection Control & Hospital�…, 1990 - cambridge.org
SM Paul, C Genese, K Spitalny
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 1990cambridge.org
A cluster of four group A (β-hemolytic Streptococcus postoperative wound infections was
investigated at a community hospital. The serotypes of the Streptococcus isolated from all
four cases, an asymptomatic anesthesiologist and one of his household members were M
nontypable T28. During the outbreak period, December 1988, the infection rate among the
40 patients of the anesthesiologist was 7.5%. Among other patients not having contact with
this healthcare worker, it was 0.09%(p=. 0002 Fisher's exact test). This is only the second�…
A cluster of four group A (β-hemolytic Streptococcus postoperative wound infections was investigated at a community hospital. The serotypes of the Streptococcus isolated from all four cases, an asymptomatic anesthesiologist and one of his household members were M nontypable T28. During the outbreak period, December 1988, the infection rate among the 40 patients of the anesthesiologist was 7.5%. Among other patients not having contact with this healthcare worker, it was 0.09% (p = .0002 Fisher's exact test). This is only the second reported Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus hospital outbreak in which the pathogen was traced to a member of a healthcare worker's household. Early outbreak detection and intervention limited the extent of the outbreak.
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