Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infections in non-pregnant adults

Objectives. - Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus) is a major cause of invasive diseases in non-pregnant adults, particularly in the elderly and those with underlying conditions. We describe these conditions and clinical characteristics of patients followed in our teaching hospital. Methods. - We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 64 patients with S. agalactiae-related invasive infection, hospitalized between January 1997 and January 2006. Results. - The mean age of patients was 59 ( 17 years). The H:F sex ratio was 1.06. At least one underlying condition was found in 90.6%. Diabetes mellitus (43.7%), peripheral vascular disease (34.4%), myocardial ischemia (20.3%) and malignant neoplasms (20.3%) were among the most frequent conditions. The mean index of comorbidity (Charlson) was 2.5 (+/- 2). Common clinical manifestations included infection of the urinary tract (32.8%), skin and soft-tissue (25%), and osteoarthritis (21.9%). Bacteremia occurred in 31.2% with no identified source in 2 patients. During the first month, 2 cases of endocarditis, 1 case of meningitis, and 4 deaths occurred. Conclusion. - We confirm the importance of underlying diseases in the emergence of S. agalactiae infections. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tons droits reserves.