Streptococcus Group A

Excerpt

Streptococcus pyogenes, a Lancefield group A streptococcus (GAS), is one of the most common bacteria encountered daily. These bacteria result in acute infections with a wide array of manifestations in adults and children and are responsible for an estimated 9,000-12,000 deaths annually in the United States. Group A streptococci (GAS) are classified as gram-positive cocci that cause a range of diseases. GAS can be divided into greater than 100 different subtypes based on their surface ‘M-protein.’ Infections due to GAS result in acute pharyngitis, impetigo, erysipelas, and cellulitis. GAS also tends to produce manifestations of more invasive diseases, including streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. In addition to acute infection, infections due to GAS result in several nonsuppurative complications, including acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerular nephritis.