INTRODUCTION
Streptococcus is a genus of gram positive bacteria that are
classified based on characteristics including hemolytic effect on blood
agar, Lancefield antigenic composition and susceptibility to various
compounds. 1 Streptococci (strep) that
demonstrate complete hemolysis on blood agar are referred to as
β-hemolytic streptococci .2 Of the β-hemolytic
strep groups, those in groups A, B, C, D and G include important
pathogens that are associated with infectious processes involving human
mucous membranes.1 Streptococcus dysgalactiaeis a group C strep species which has been identified as a commensal of
skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and female genital
tract.3 Although once regarded as non-pathogenic,Streptococcus dysgalactiae has been increasingly isolated from
both mild localized skin infections, and severe infections such as
necrotizing fasciitis and osteomyelitis.3 Currently in
literature there are very few accounts of skin manifestations attributed
to Strep dysgalactiae bacteremia.4 This case
report presents a patient with a rare finding of Streptococcus
dysgalactiae bacteremia (Group C strep) associated with cutaneous and
systemic manifestations. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.