An Epidemic of Pharyngitis Due to a Nonhemolytic Group A Streptococcus at Lowry Air Force Base

Abstract

A nonhemolytic Group A streptococcus caused a brief epidemic of pharyngitis at Lowry Air Force Base in May, 1968. Six cases of rheumatic fever followed the epidemic, and three of these patients had antibodies to the Type 18 epidemic strain. This organism can be recognized by its mucoid colonial form together with the absence of beta hemolysis.