A new nephritogenic streptococcus

Abstract

SUMMARYA local milk-borne outbreak of 85 cases of sore throat with cervical lymphadenitis, a third of whom later developed acute glomerulonephritis as a complication, is described. Renal involvement was shown by Volhard's criteria, filtered fraction data and renal biopsy findings. From lymph-node biopsies from patients, from the pharyngeal exudate of patients and carriers, and from three samples of cow's milk, 16 strains of beta-haemolytic streptococci of Lancefield group C, type zooepidemicus subtype lactose-positive, were isolated.The aetiological role of the streptococcus isolated in this outbreak was confirmed by autoserodiagnosis (precipitation tests with Lancefield's antigens and patients' sera) which in this case proved more valuable than antistreptolysin-O titration as evidence of infection.Two of the 85 patients, 7 months after the acute phase of illness, show nephrotic oedema and hypertension as chronic sequelae.We are pleased to express our gratitude to Dr M. T. Parker and Dr W. R. Maxted for much advice, and confirmation of our serological and biochemical findings.