Aim: The main goal of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of positive beta haemolytic streptococci culture from the genital tract on patients receiving radiation therapy who suffer from cervical cancer. The other aim was to observe radiation therapy complications.
Background: Group B streptococci (GBS), group C streptococci (GCS) and group G streptococci (GGS) have been described as frequent invasive pathogens in elderly patients, often in association with underlying medical conditions including immunodeficiency and cancer.
Materials and methods: In the years 2006-2015, vaginal swabs from 452 patients were examined. A total of 118 women with positive beta haemolytic streptococci (BHS) groups A, B, C, F, G cultures were analysed, of whom 111 were diagnosed with cervix cancer of IB to IVA degree according to the FIGO 1988 clinical classification.
Results: Of the 452 patients suffering from cervix cancer 26.1% were positive for A, B, C, F or G group BHS isolated from the genital tract. All of the 114 examined strains were sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics. The antimicrobials for which resistance was noted were erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline.
Conclusions: Positive cultures of BHS from the genital tract were demonstrated to occur in patients with cervix cancer. Complications were found during radiotherapy in 30 (27%) of these patients, including 20 (18%) patients suffering from clinical symptoms of inflammation. When beta-lactam antibiotics are not recommended because of allergy, sensitivity tests to other drugs are necessary.
Keywords: Beta haemolytic streptococci; Cervix cancer patients; Radiation therapy complications.