Hippelates flies and streptococcal skin infection in Trinidad

ABSTRACT

An epidemic of acute glomerulonephritis in Trinidad led to an investigation into strepococcal skin infection, as most nephritis cases were asssociated with this. Hippelates in this region commonly feed on skin lesions, infected or otherwise. Some of these flies captured in the vinicity of infected children were found to be contaminated with Streptococcus pyogenes; 3 species were involved, H. peruanus, H. flavipes and H. currani. The naturally-acquired infection lasted for 28 hours or more, and the flies would return to human bait while still infectious. The Hippelates population and the streptococcal skin infection rate at one school showed similar changes. Hippelates probably contribute to the rapid spread of streptococci throughout the island, and to the frequency of infection with more than one serotype; they may also contribute to the high incidence of streptococcal skin infection, but this requires further evidence. (AU)