GROUP G STREPTOCOCCAL ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Six cases of Lancefield Group G streptococcocal arthritis are described. Two cases had pre-existing chronic arthritis (one rheumatoid) with infection of a joint prosthesis. Three cases had neoplastic disease before or at the same time as septic arthritis. Skin reactions, including cellulitis and scarlatiniform rash were prominent in five cases. One patient may have acquired a Group G streptococcus from her dog. Five cases responded well to penicillin and the sixth who was allergic to that drug was cured by erythromycin. This unusual cause of septic arthritis is being recognized more frequently in the United Kingdom.