Neonatal sepsis due to group G streptococci.

Two cases of neonatal septicaemia due to group G streptococci (Streptococcus canis) are described. In one patient, infection coexisted with transient neonatal hyperthyroidism, while, in the other, concomitant group G streptococcal septicaemia and endometritis in the mother was seen. Group G streptococci are rare causes of infection, especially in the paediatric age group. Bacteria were identified by serological and biochemical methods. Both neonates responded well to penicillin therapy, but the maternal infection required combination therapy with penicillin G, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol. The literature on systemic group G streptococcal infection is briefly reviewed. With increasing use of serotyping in the identification of beta-haemolytic streptococci, non-group A organisms will probably be identified more frequently from neonatal and other infections.

Septicemia due to Streptococcus equisimilis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relapse with documented septicemia due to group C Streptococci (Streptococcus equisimilis) is described. The patient responded well to therapy with appropriate cytotoxic and antimicrobial agents. There is a general lack of recognition of the pathogenicity of group C Streptococci in man. The potential opportunistic nature of these organisms in immunocompromised hosts and the need for early recognition and appropriate treatment of such infection is emphasized.