AN EPIDEMIC OF GROUP A, TYPE I STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS IN NEWBORN INFANTS

An epidemic of group A, type 1 streptococcal infection occurring in newborn infants is described. Uncomplicated omphalitis constituted the majority of infections; three patients developed a deep tissue infection of the extremities as a secondary complication. Investigation revealed an upper respiratory infection due to a group A, type 1 streptococcus in a pediatrician as the probable source of the epidemic. Therapy and recurrences of infection after inadequate treatment are discussed. A review of the pertinent literature indicates the rarity of such an epidemic.