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Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a well-recognized cause of surgical-site infections and other, more-serious complications such as toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. Cosmetic surgery, including that performed in the outpatient setting, carries the risk for such complications. In 2012, an outbreak occurred involving patients who had undergone tumescent liposuction at medical spas. Researchers now report the results of the ensuing investigation.
The researchers identified 13 cases of GAS infection (4 confirmed, 9 suspected) among 66 patients who had undergone liposuction procedures at either of two affiliated outpatient surgery facilities between July 1 and September 14, 2012 (attack rate, 20%). The four patients with confirmed inva…