Clinical Information

Group A streptococci are gram-positive, beta-hemolytic disease-causing bacteria that commonly cause infections in the throat (pharyngitis or strep throat) or on skin (cellulitis and impetigo) and can cause a wide range of other infections (eg, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis). Pharyngitis may also be caused by other bacteria, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Corynebacterium diphtheriae, for which specific culture methods are required. If left untreated, mild infections can lead to more serious infections. The most severe but least common forms of invasive Group A streptococcal disease (GAS) are necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Several million cases of strep throat and impetigo occur each year with approximately 9000 to 11,500 cases of invasive GAS disease occurring in the United States, resulting in 1000 to 1800 deaths.(1) Treating an infected person with an appropriate antibiotic generally prevents the spread of the infection and reduces the risk of post-infectious complications, such as rheumatic fever and acute glomerular nephritis.(2)