A Note on Non-Group-A Streptococci Associated with Human Infection

Abstract

Evidence that serious disease may result from infection with streptococci other than those of Lancefield Group A is accumulating. Lancefield (1940-41) has

Group B streptococci in human disease.

“…In an examination of extrarespiratory streptococcal infections, Rantz (119) found that 75% were caused by streptococcal groups other than A. Subsequently, the involvement of the less wellknown streptococci in infections at various sites in the human body was documented (57,120,121,143).…”

The Enterococci: With Special Reference to Their Association with Human Disease

“…Elser and Thomas (1936) found gelatin-liquefying strains of enterococci which agreed well with nonliquefying strains in cultural and biochemical properties. Wheeler and Foley (1943) stated that biologic characteristics of enterococci could not be correlated with serologic type.…”

“…Enterococci are sometimes associated with purulent infections resulting from a damaged intestine or bladder (Schmitz, 1912;Rantz and Kirby, 1943;Wheeler and Foley, 1943;Brown and Schaub, 1945). Strain 1130 of our collection was from a case of peritonitis.…”

“…Subsequent investigators have confirmed those early reports. Ehrismann (1935) quoted two authors who reported cases of meningitis due to enterococci; Lang, Lode, and Schuttermayer (1937) reported 2 cases; Wheeler and Foley (1943), 1 case. Rantz (1942) reported 1 case in which meningitis followed a prolonged ear infection.…”

“…MacCallum and Hastings (1899) obtained an organism which they called Micrococcu zymogenes from the blood in a case of endocarditis, and Sherman (1937) was convinced that their organism was an enterococcus. Subsequently many authors reported the isolation of enterococci in cases of endocarditis (Andrewes and Horder, 1906;Hicks, 1912;Gordon, 1922;Meyer and Lowenstein, 1926;Dible, 1929;Wallach, 1934;Houston, 1934;Baum, 1935;Ehrismann, 1935;Elser and Thomas, 1936;Reiners, 1936;Fox, 1936;Waaler, 1937;Clements, 1937;Otto, 1938;Moran, 1938;Rohleder, 1938;Williams, 1939;Lederle, 1940;Skinner and Edwards, 1942;Rantz and Kirby, 1943;Wheeler and Foley, 1943;MacNeal and Blevins, 1945;Brown and Schaub, 1945). Two strains of our collection, nos.…”