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Group L beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection in meat handlers: another streptococcal zoonosis?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

M. Barnham
Affiliation:
Departments of Microbiology, Harrogate General Hospital, Harrogate, North Yorkshire 11G2 7ND and Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL6 1JQ
D. J. Neilson
Affiliation:
Environmental Health Department, Stirling District Council, Municipal Buildings, Stirling FK8 2HU, Scotland
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Group L, β-haemolytic streptococci can cause infection in dogs, pigs, cattle and sheep but there have been very few reports in man. In studies of skin infection in meat handlers we cultured group L streptococci from clinically infected wounds, impetigo and paronychia of 15 patients involved in the slaughter and processing of chickens and pigs. Staphylococcus aureus was also present in eight (53%) of the lesions. At least five other infections with group L streptococci in meat and animal handlers are known to have occurred in other parts of England in recent years, and brief details are given.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

References

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