An outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes surgical site infections in a cardiovascular surgery department.

Background: We report an outbreak of surgical site infections due to genetically related strains of Streptococcus pyogenes in a cardiovascular surgery department.

Methods: The practices that were possibly related to the outbreak were investigated through direct observation and interviews with staff by an infection control team. Surveillance sampling from patients, health-care workers, and environment were done for the investigation of the source. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to investigate a clonal relationship among the S. pyogenes isolates.

Results: Four patients operated on in the cardiovascular surgery department developed surgical site infection due to S. pyogenes. Molecular characterization of S. pyogenes done by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed the same strain.

Conclusions: Although a definite source for the outbreak could not be identified, probably lack of adherence to hand hygiene practices during surgical dressings, contamination, and cross contamination led to this outbreak.