Septicemia and meningitis caused by group A streptococcus: A case report and literature review

Abstract

The invasive diseases due to Streptococcus pyogenes are pretty rare infections especially in pediatrics. We present to you a case of a 13-year-old who was admitted in pediatric’s intensive care for a polytrauma, on his 4th day of hospitalization he developed a fever for which he had a cytobacteriological assay of the spinal fluid who was in favor of a bacterial meningitis with 61 white cells predominantly neutrophilic 81% and a positive direct examination and culture after 24-hour incubation. The blood cultures from 3 sets (5 bottles) were also positive after 24h incubation and all pointed out to β hemolytic colonies in favor of streptococcus that was identified afterwards with serogrouping and on an automaton proving the incrimination of streptococcus group A. A review of literature was then conducted to enlighten clinicians on this unusual but equally dangerous bacteria.