OBJECTIVES:

Several factors associated with mortality in Lancefield group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia have been described in population-based surveillance studies, whereas such reports on group B, C, and G streptococcal are scant.

METHODS:

In this population-based study all 314 episodes of beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia in adult patients in the Pirkanmaa area, Finland, during the 10-year period 1995-2004 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS:

The 30-day case-fatality rate was 13%, being highest in group C (22%); in group A it was 15%, in group B 7%, and in group G 15%. Confusion, unconsciousness and dyspnea as the first sign or symptom were associated with increased case-fatality, while fever seemed to be a protecting factor for death. Alcoholism and ultimately or rapidly fatal underlying disease were significantly associated with increased case-fatality. Among infections of the skin and soft-tissues, necrotizing fasciitis had the highest risk of death (38%), while patients with cellulitis had a case-fatality of 8%. A history of previous cellulitis seemed to protect against death (case-fatality of 3% as compared to 16% among those without such a history (p=0.014)).

CONCLUSION:

A history of previous cellulitis seemed to be a protecting factor against death. Fever was also associated with a good prognosis.