6 Comments
Jan 19, 2023Liked by Alasdair Munro

I had three cases of empyemas in the spring. Two tested positive from strep pneumonia. Have not seen any invasive gp a strep but have seen a lot of cases. Often coinfections with flu.

I had one infant, 19 years ago, have overwhelming sepsis and die from group a step septicemia in association with chicken pox. Haunts me even today. Your statement that strep humbles pediatricians is so true. I respect group a strep.

Thank you for your articles. I’ve shared with my medical students.

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Jan 16, 2023Liked by Alasdair Munro

Many of we guitarists are in mourning over the death of Jeff Beck. Is the causative organism of his meningitis become known? My understanding is that most streptococcal meningitis is S. pneumoniae, which I think is group B (though I confess I find the taxonomy of Strep to be pretty confusing).

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Jan 16, 2023Liked by Alasdair Munro

Thanks for sharing, I wish more professionals presented such calm and balanced pieces. I'll be sharing this on twitter and via WhatsApp, incredibly useful and reassuring.

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Thank you for such kind feedback, it is very encouraging!

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Jan 16, 2023Liked by Alasdair Munro

You're very welcome.

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I’m afraid I don’t know what organism caused Jeff Becks case (as a guitarist myself I sympathise!). Strep pneumo is indeed a more common cause, but this is not group B strep which is actually named Strep agalactiae. Strep pneumo is an alpha haemolytic Strep, which are different from the group A, B, C etc (known as Lancefield groups) which are all beta haemolytic Strep. All very confusing!

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