Severe group a streptococcus infection after thyroidectomy: report of three cases and review

Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2008 Oct;9(5):529-31. doi: 10.1089/sur.2007.069.

Abstract

Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an uncommon cause of infection after clean surgery in non-pregnant adults.

Methods: Report of three cases and review of the literature. results: For the first time in France, severe GAS infections were observed in three patients who underwent thyroidectomy at three hospitals. Two of them developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Conclusion: Better knowledge of physiopathologic mechanisms would help in the detection and prevention of severe GAS infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Shock, Septic* / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections* / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections* / physiopathology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Surgical Wound Infection* / microbiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection* / physiopathology
  • Thyroidectomy / adverse effects*