Anal colonization of group G beta-hemolytic streptococci in relapsing erysipelas of the lower extremity.

Four patients who had frequent relapses of erysipelas but no obvious portal of entry and no beta-hemolytic streptococci in specimens from conventional culture sites all had group G streptococci in cultures of specimens from the anal canal. It is suggested that anal colonization with group G streptococci, and possibly group A and other beta-hemolytic streptococci, may constitute a reservoir for streptococci in such cases.