O089: Recurrent transmission of group a streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) during surgery by a health care worker (HCW)

Results There was no recent history of throat infection in patients or their relatives. Compliance to SSI preventive measures (pre operative showers, skin antisepsis, and laminar air flow) was adequate, and wearing of mask in the OR was adequate for 88% of 332 HCWs. A GAS isolate was recovered from throat swabs of 2 of the 6 HCWs caring for the 1 case, one of which was identical to the patient’s isolate. Auditing this HCW revealed a lack of adequate fitting of the mask during preparation of the OR. Educational sessions were implemented. After the 2 case occurred, the same HCW was again found colonized with a GAS isolate identical to the patient’s isolate, but different from the 1 one. A more in-depth investigation revealed that one of his children had recurrent tonsillitis. Decolonization of the HCW was attempted, but GAS carriage recurred until tonsillectomy was performed on his child.