Author(s): F. Al Majid, T. Al Fawaz, F Buba
The study was conducted to determine the epidemiological characteristics of invasive Group A β haemolytic Streptococcal infection at the King Khalid University Hospital Riyadh between 1995 and 2006. It was also designed to compare it with a prior study undertaken at the hospital between 1982-1993. During the period 30 consecutive patients with group A β haemolytic Streptococcal bacteraemia were recruited. A data form including age, gender, presentation, associated morbidities, blood culture results, throat swab cultures and outcome of the infection were recorded. The study found an incidence of 0.11/1000 admissions as compared with 0.14/1000 admissions in a prior study in the hospital. The subjects were made up of 16 adult and 14 pediatric patients. The mean age and age range of the patients were 52 years (45-73) and 3years (1 month to 11 years) for adult and pediatric patients respectively. Probable source of bactareamia were indentified in 36% of patients. The study found a declining incidence of invasive group A Streptococcal infection at the King Khalid University Hospital Riyadh. However, the predisposing factors and recognized co-morbidities were as in previous studies. In addition the mortality rate of toxic shock syndrome remains the same despite advanced in medical care.