Pathogens
Streptococcus pyogenes / Group A streptococci

Streptococcus pyogenes / Group A streptococci

Susceptibilities

General Information

Gram positive cocci in chains

Reservoir is human skin and oropharynx/mucous membranes.

Person-to-person transmission.

Exhaustive and fascinating list.

Most common manifestations are:

  • Tonsillopharyngitis ("Strep throat")
  • Skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis)

Other invasive infections:

  • Bacteremia
  • Endocarditis
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Meningitis
  • Toxic shock syndrome
  • Pneumonia
  • Other sterile space infections.

Post-infectious immunologically mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.

Scarlet fever.

Contact and droplet precautions for invasive disease for the first 24hrs of antimicrobial therapy or after last debridement, otherwise no precautions.

Post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated.