Hyperendemic<i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>Infection despite Prophylaxis with Penicillin G Benzathine

Abstract

If the prevention of S. pyogenes infection is to be effective in closely confined populations such as military recruits, prophylactic antibiotics must be administered to all members of the population. Exempting those who are allergic to penicillin may create a bacterial reservoir from which infection can be transmitted to nonallergic members of the population.