Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci Resistant to Erythromycin and Lincomycin

In a 17-month-old girl an upper-respiratory-tract infection acutely developed. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were found on throat culture. She was treated with erythromycin. No clinical improvement was noted, and streptococci were repeatedly isolated. The infecting organism, identified as serologic Group A, Type 12, was resistant to erythromycin, lincomycin and tetracycline. Similar organisms were recovered from four of the patient's contacts in the community. Therefore, determination of the in vitro susceptibility of Group A streptococci to these drugs appears advisable whenever their use is contemplated, and imperative when the infection threatens life or late sequelae appear likely.