Bacteraemia due to different groups of beta-haemolytic streptococci: a two-year survey and presentation of a case of recurring infection due to Streptococcus "equisimilis".

We present a 2-year survey of bacteraemic episodes due to beta-haemolytic streptococci and a case of recurring infection due to group C streptococcus, Streptococcus "equisimilis". We found 53 episodes of bacteraemia with beta-haemolytic streptococci. Group A was the most common, followed by groups B, G and C. The proportion of nosocomial cases was the same in all four groups i.e. 24% (neonatal cases excluded). The clinical picture presented by groups C and G streptococcal cases was indistinguishable from that caused by group A streptococci, but patients with group G bacteraemia were older than patients with group A bacteraemia. Obvious clinical foci were more common in group A than group G cases. Disregarding neonatal cases, most patients had predisposing conditions. There was no difference in foci of bacteraemia, predisposing factors, treatment and outcome of disease. The overall mortality was 25%.