1/3. scarlet fever associated with hepatitis--a report of two cases.Infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis beyond infancy. We report on two patients with scarlet fever associated with hepatitis. The patients (boys aged 6 and 7 years) both presented with a scarlatiniform rash, dark urine and light-colored stools. Laboratory studies revealed elevated liver transaminases and negative antibody tests against hepatitis viruses A, B and C, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. Both patients were treated with antibiotics and recovered completely within a few days. Although the association between scarlet fever and hepatitis has been known for many decades, the pathogenesis is still unknown. physicians treating patients with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections should be aware of possible hepatic involvement.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = pharyngitis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. Group C beta-hemolytic streptococci causing pharyngitis and scarlet fever.After a young woman had scarlet fever associated with group C beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis, we reviewed all cases of pharyngitis treated at a student health clinic during that semester. From 541 cases of pharyngitis, 34 cultures yielded group C streptococcus. The patients who harbored group C organisms were similar to the patients with group A streptococcal pharyngitis in the presence of fever, exudate, and cervical adenopathy. The severity of symptoms and the demonstration of scarlet fever developing from infection with this organism supports antibiotic treatment of patients with group C streptococcal pharyngitis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 9keywords = pharyngitis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. scarlet fever can mimic toxic shock syndrome.We describe a patient who presented with a widespread erythematous rash, diarrhoea, confusion, pre-renal uraemia and hyponatraemia. The diagnosis of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome seemed likely as she was menstruating and there was no evidence of pharyngitis. A rising ASO titre confirmed a streptococcal aetiology and thus 'toxic' scarlet fever. Toxic shock syndrome and toxic scarlet fever are compared.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = pharyngitis (Clic here for more details about this article) |