Puerperal infection due to group A beta hemolytic streptococcus.

A cluster of 5 patients with puerperal infection due to group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is described. The most striking clinical signs included the early onset of uterine tenderness followed by an abrupt temperature elevation to greater than or equal to 102 F. At the time of uterine tenderness (Day 2, postpartum), 4 of 5 patients had gram-stained lochial smears showing a predominance of gram-positive cocci. The cluster of cases occurred with no source of the infection identified after 365 culture attempts. Therapy was rapidly successful with intravenous penicillin.