Outbreak among Drug Users Caused by a Clonal Strain of Group A Streptococcus

Abstract

We describe an outbreak among drug users of severe soft-tissue infections caused by a clonal strain of group A streptococcus of M-type 25. Cases (n = 19) in drug users were defined as infections (mainly needle abscesses) due to the outbreak strain. Comparison with controls showed that infected drug users bought drugs more often at a specific place. Drug purchase and use habits may have contributed to this outbreak.

Keywords

• A streptococcus M-type 25
• drug users
• GAS infections
• soft-tissue infection
• Switzerland