Recurrent Streptococcus pyogenes genital infection in a woman: test and treat the partner!

Int J Infect Dis. 2014 Dec:29:37-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.07.026. Epub 2014 Oct 24.

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a well-known cause of vulvovaginitis in prepubescent girls, but it is rarely described in adult women. We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with endometritis revealed by GAS bacteraemia, followed by recurrent vulvovaginitis due to a wild-type strain of GAS. She relapsed twice despite amoxicillin treatment. Her husband was found to be an asymptomatic carrier after GAS was identified in nasal and rectal swabs. She was cured after eradication of carriage in both herself and her husband with amoxicillin and rifampin. When recurrent Streptococcus pyogenes genital infections occur, test and treat the partner.

Keywords: Antibiotic prophylaxis; Asymptomatic diseases; Bacteraemia; Streptococcus pyogenes; Vaginitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*
  • Vulvovaginitis / diagnosis*
  • Vulvovaginitis / drug therapy*
  • Vulvovaginitis / microbiology