The only specific therapy is the eradication of the streptococcus, a very important requirement.
Blood cultures were positive for streptococcus viridans, and treatment with penicillin and streptomycin was begun and continued for four weeks.
The most common infective microorganisms were staphylococcus (47%) and streptococcus (18%).
Similarly, the incidence of childbed fever appears to have been linked to outbreaks of conditions now known to be caused by the streptococcus bacteria.
There is no evidence that bacteria impair healing and systemic antibiotics should be given only in the presence of beta-haemolytic streptococcus or frank cellulitis.
Changes have occurred in the host and in the environment, and in addition it is likely that the virulence of the streptococcus itself has undergone modification.
First, the appearance of milder symptoms, which could result from a possible reduction of the virulence of the streptococcus and reduction of the prevalence of rheumatogenic strains in the community.
Streptococcus pyogenes seems to originate from the pharynx or hand lesions of a food handler.