Infection with food-contaminated streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis during its outbreak

Objective To accumulate experience with the rapid diagnosis of infection with food-contaminated streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis(SDSE) during its outbreak. Methods Epidemiology data, symptoms, and signs of 70 patients with respiratory tract infection in a certain Chinese PLA unit stationed in Beijing during its outbreak from September 30, 2012 to October 1, 2012 were analyzed. Results Of the 70 patients, 66(94.29%) were manifested as fever, 62(88.57%) as sore throat, 36(51.43%) as tonsillitis, and 38(54.29%) were diagnosed with SDSE infection according to the cultured pharynx secretion. The number of white blood cells and neutrophils, the serum CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.01). However, no significant difference was found in serum procalcitonin level before and after treatment(P>0.05). Conclusion Respiratory tract infection with food-contaminated SDSE seldom occurs during its outbreak. Isolation and identification of SDSE are the key to its rapid diagnosis. Routine blood examination and serum IL-6 testing are the effective accessory examination and disease-monitoring methods.