Community-acquired invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in Zuni Indians.

BACKGROUND--Outbreaks of invasive group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABS) infections have recently been reported. We observed a high incidence of invasive GABS disease among Native Americans at a small rural community hospital between 1982 and 1991. METHODS--A retrospective chart review was performed, and all cases of invasive GABS disease were studied for their clinical features. RESULTS--Sixteen cases of invasive GABS infection were identified during the 10-year study period. The rate of invasive GABS infection was 13.3 cases per 100,000 population per year. Mortality was 25%. Nearly half of the patients presented with systemic signs of sepsis without any obvious source of infection. CONCLUSIONS--Our experience documents a high rate of invasive GABS infections in a defined Native American population. To determine whether this population has a unique susceptibility to GABS disease requires further study.