[Clinical and biological aspects of a collective alimentary toxi- infection by group A streptococcus in a military unit stationed in Djibouti].

An outbreak of streptococcal pharyngitis due to a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus has occurred in a French Army unit based in Djibouti during the month of september 1991. Out of 304 sick soldiers, 73% were seen by a physician in the initial 48 hours of the outbreak. All the patients showed a sore throat, associated with myalgia and rachialgia (85%), headache (26%) and digestive signs (24%). They were given a systematic antibiotic therapy by a penicillin or a macrolide, so no post-streptococcal complication was observed. From 23 throat swabs, 10 Streptococcus pyogenes strains were recovered with identical chimiotype, antibiotype and serotype (T:11, M non typable). Five serological assays were performed on 33 paired (early and 15 days later) samples of serum: ASLO (latex agglutination and microtitration), ASH, ASD and ASK. ASLO microtitration with ASD appear to be the most profitable association. The cost of such an outbreak is very heavy. More, the operational capacity of this unit was seriously compromised as long as 6 days. Measures to be applied are those used for the prevention of foodborne diseases, including medical surveillance of the cooking staff and strict observance of cool conservation of cooked meals and foods.