Streptococci of Lancefield classification group C are rare causes of infection in humans. In adults, they have been reported to cause cellulitis and meningitis,1 infective endocarditis,2 and pneumonia.3 In children, they have been identified in neonatal colonization,4 meningitis,5 epidemic pharyngitis with some resultant cases of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis,6 and nonepidemic pharyngitis and epiglottitis.7,8
There have been four adults described with primary group C streptococcal pneumonia,2,3,9,10 only one of whom was previously healthy.3 To our knowledge, we describe the first child with pneumonia caused by a group C Streptococcus and briefly review selected characteristics of the organism and of previous pediatric infections.
Report of a Case.—A previously healthy 14-year-old girl was admitted to St Elizabeth's Hospital of Boston with pneumonia. Seven days before admission, pharyngitis and malaise developed, but she did not seek medical advice. In the ensuing week, she had headache,