Skin Rashes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Rashes, including details on dermatitis, itches, creams, medication, treatment.

Group A streptococcal subdural empyema as a complication of varicella.

Ulloa-Gutierrez R, Dobson S, Forbes J

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. rgut@cw.bc.ca <rgut@cw.bc.ca>

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus are the 2 most common pathogens implicated in secondary invasive bacterial disease after varicella. We describe a 3-month-old male infant from British Columbia, Canada, who presented on day 5 of varicella skin rash with fever, seizures, lethargy, and evidence of intracranial hypertension. A prominent subdural empyema was documented, and Streptococcus pyogenes was recovered from the subdural fluid. Central nervous system bacterial complications should be part of the differential diagnosis for infants and children with chickenpox who present with fever, lethargy, focal seizures, or similar neurologic findings. This case illustrates the importance of universal varicella vaccination to prevent associated bacterial complications of chickenpox.

Published 4 January 2005 in Pediatrics, 115(1): e112-4.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Skin Rashes Research Today. All Rights Reserved.